PUBLIC DOCUMENT ...... N o . 44.

FIFTEENTH REPORT

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F ree P ublic Library Commission

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MASSACHUSETTS.

1905.

BOSTON: WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS, 18 P ost Offic e Sq u a b e. 1905.

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PUBLIC DOCUMENT . . . . . No. 44.

FIFTEENTH REPORT

O P T H E

F ree P ublic Library Commission

MASSACHUSETTS.-.

1905.

BOSTON: WRIGHT & POTTER PRINTING CO., STATE PRINTERS, 18 Post Office S q u a r e. 1905. & C

REPORT OF THE COMMISSION.

1o the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives. In accordance with the provisions of chapter 347 of the Acts of the year 1890, under which the Free Public Library Com­ mission was organized, the commission herewith presents its fifteenth report, covering the calendar year 1904.

T ile C ommission. Mr. Samuel Swett Green and Mrs. Mabel Simpkins Agassiz have been reappointed for the full term of five years.

B ooks su ppl ie d d uring th e Y e a r . The town of Southampton has been supplied with $100 worth of books, under the provisions of chapter 347 of the Acts of 1890, the administration of the library having been so changed as to comply with the statute. The town of New Marlborough has been supplied with a first installment of books, under the provisions of chapter 233 of the Acts of 1900. The second installment, completing in each case the $100 worth allowed by lav, has been supplied to the following towns : — Blandford, Gosnold, New Salem, Bolton, Hampden, Oakham, Boxborough, Leverett, Orleans, Brimfield, Mashpee, Sandisfleld. — 14. Chester, Monroe,

T owns still en titled to B e n e f it under t h e L aw . The full allowance of $100 worth : —

Alford, Egremont, Savoy, Auburn, Gill, Shutesbury, Boylston, Lanesborough, Southampton, Clarksburg, Middleton, Washington. — 12. 6 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. The second allowance is due to the following towns : — Berlin, Holland, Peru, Charlemont, Huntington, Phillipston, Chilmark, Lakeville, Plainfield, Dana, Leyden, Plympton, Dunstable, Middlefield, Prescott, East Longmeadow, Monterey, Royalston, Gay Head, Montgomery, Southwick, Goshen, Mount Washington, Sunderland, Granby, New Ashford, Tolland, Granville, New Braintree, Tyngsborough, Greenwich, New Marlborough, Tyringham, Halifax, North Reading, Warwick, Hancock, Otis, Whately. — 43. Hawley, Paxton, Heath, Pelham,

T owns classified as to L ib r a r ies. The following classification of the towns, revised to date, shows the free library facilities they now enjoy : —

Class 1. Towns which have, libraries owned and controlled by the town and free for circulation to all the people. Abington, Bolton, Chilmark, Acushnet, Boston, Clarksburg, Adams, Bourne, Clinton, Agawam, Boxborough, Cohasset, Alford, Boylston, Colrain, Amesbury, Bridgewater, Conway, Andover, Brimfield, Dalton, Arlington, Brockton, Dana, Ashburnham, Brookfield, Dartmouth, Ashby, Brookline, Dedham, Ashland, Burlington, Deerfield, Athol, Cambridge, Dennis, Attleborough, Canton, Dighton, Auburn, Carlisle, Douglas, Avon, Carver, Dover, Bellingham, Charlemont, Dracut, Belmont, Charlton, Dudley, Berkley, Chelmsford, Dunstable, Berlin, Chelsea, East Bridgewater, Beverly, Chester, Eastham, Blackstone, Chesterfield, East Longmeadow, Blandford, Chicopee, Edgartown, 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 7

Egremont, Leverett, Northborough, Erving, Leyden, North Brookfield, Essex, Longmeadow, Northfield, Everett, Lowell, North Reading, Fall River, Ludlow, Norwood, Falmouth, Lunenburg, Oakham, Fitchburg, Lynn, Orange, Florida, Lynnfield, Orleans, Foxborough, Manchester, Otis, Framingham, Mansfield, Oxford, Freetown, Marblehead, Paxton, Gay Head, Marlborough, Peabody, Gill, Marshfield, Pelham, Goshen, Mashpee, Pepperell, Gosnold, Mattapoisett, Peru, Granby, Maynard, Phillipston, Granville, Medfield, Plainfield, Greenfield, Medford, Plympton, Greenwich, Medway, Prescott, Groton, Melrose, Provincetown, Groveland, Mendon, Quincy, Hadley, Merrimac, Reading, Halifax, Middleborough, Revere, Hamilton, Middlefield, Richmond, Hampden, Middleton, Rochester, Hancock, Milford, Rockland, Hanover, Millbury, Rockport, Hanson, Millis, Rowe, Hardwick, Milton, Rowley, Harvard, Monroe, Royalston, Hatfield, Montague, Russell, Hawley, Monterey, Rutland, Heath, Montgomery, Salisbury, Holbrook, Mount Washington, Sandisfield, Holden, Nahant, Sandwich, Holland, Natick, Saugus, Ilolliston, Needham, Savoy, Hopedale, New Ashford, Seekonk, Hubbardston, New Bedford, Sharon, Hudson, New Braintree, Sheffield, Hull, Newburyport, Shelburne, Huntington, New Marlborough, Sherborn, Hyde Park, New Salem, Shirley, Kingston, Newton, Shrewsbury, Lakeville, Norfolk, Shutesbury, Lancaster, North Adams, Somerset, Lanesborough, Northampton, Somerville, Leicester, North Andover, Southampton, Leominster, North Attleborough, Southborough, 8 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan

Southbridge, Tyngsborough, West Newbury, South Hadley, Tyringham, Weston, South wick, Upton, Westport, Spencer, Uxbridge, West Springfield, Sterling, Wakefield, West Stockbridge, Stoneham, Wales, Westwood, Stoughton, Walpole, Weymouth, Stow, Waltham, Whately, Sturbridge, W arwick, Whitman, Sudbury, Watertown, Wilbraham, Sunderland, Wayland, Williamsburg, Sutton, Webster, Williamstown, Swampscott, Wellfleet, Wilmington, Swansea, Wendell, Winchendon, Taunton, Wenham, Winchester, Templeton, Westborough, Windsor, Tewksbury, West Boylston, Winthrop, Tolland, West Bridgewater, Worcester, Topsfield, West Brookfield, Wrentham. — 274. Townsend, Westford, Truro, Westminster,

Class 2. Towns which have free libraries in which the town has some representation in the management. Acton, Franklin, Malden, Ayer, Georgetown, Methuen, Barre, Grafton, Norton, Bedford, Haverhill, Pembroke, Belchertown, Hingham, Petersham, Bernardston, Hinsdale, Pittsfield, Braintree, Holyoke, Randolph, Concord, Lawrence, Salem, Cummington, Lenox, Springfield, Danvers, Lexington, Warren, Easthampton, Lincoln, Westfield, Enfield, Littleton, Woburn. — 36.

Class 3. Towns in which there are free libraries to which the town appropriates money, but is not represented in the management. Amherst, Cheshire, Harwich, Ashfield, Cottage City, Lee, Boxford, Duxbury, Monson, Brewster, Gardner, Nantucket, Chatham, Great Barrington, Northbridge, 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 9

Palmer, Stockbridge, Westhampton, Plymouth, Tisbury, West Tisbury. — 25. Princeton, Ware, Scituate, AVellesley,

Class 4.

Tow n s in w h ic h th e re a r e f r e e lib r a r ie s w h ic h h a v e no c o n n e c tio n w ith the to w n . Barnstable, Gloucester, Rehoboth, Becket, Hopkinton, Wareham, Billerica, Ipswich, Worthington, Buckland, Marion, Yarmouth. — 16. Easton, Norwell, Fairhaven, Rayuham,

Class 5 .

T o w n s w h ic h h a v e the f r e e u se o f p u b lic lib r a r ie s i n o th e r p la c e s . Newbury, ...... Newbury port Public Library. Washington, ...... Becket Athenæum . — 2.

N in e t e e n N e w L ib r a r y B u il d in g s . One of the most notable indications of progress is that during the year new library buildings have been cipencd or dedicated in nineteen of our towns, as appears by the following list: —

Ashland, Marlborough, Southampton, Bolton, Mattapoisett, South Hadley, Boylston, Melrose, Stoneham, Brimfield, Middleborough, Stoughton, Douglas, Milton, Taunton. Franklin, Needham, Holliston, Oxford,

New buildings are also in the course of construction in Hud­ son, Kockland, Rockport and Tyringham.

N otes of L ibrary P rogress. The following notes, collected from a large number of libra­ ries, are worthy of careful study. They tell at first hand the story of the growth and progress of the free public libraries, and the spirit and sentiment which underlie the library system of Massachusetts. 10 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

A bington. The circulation of 1903 shows a gain which was largely at the North Abington branch, although the central library had a small gain, instead of a large loss, as in 1902. The North Abington branch takes one-half of the town appro­ priation, and received 300 volumes by gift during the past year, not including public documents. The books at the branch have been classified by the Cutter system, and the Browne system of charging and open shelves have been intro­ duced, with apparent advantage. A cton. In March the Hon. Luther Conant, president of the board of trustees, gave $1,000 as a fund, to be known as the Mrs. Susan Augusta and Luther Conant fund, the income to be used “ for the purchase of books, magazines, or for such pur­ poses as the trustees may think best.” A c u sh n et. An increasing interest in the library and its branches is shown by a larger circulation. A larger appropriation has more fully met the demands of the reading public, but the yearly addition of books calls for more room. It is hoped that in the near future better accommodations will be pro­ vided; The central library at Acushnet village and the Long Plain branch are at the extreme ends of the town, which practically left the inhabitants of the centre of the town with­ out library facilities. The present librarian at Perry Hill offered to take 100 books or more, and keep them accessible at all hours, free of charge, which is now done. A lford. A branch has been established in the west part of the town, and has brought more books into circulation. A m esbury. In answer to the wishes of the public, the library is now open every afternoon and evening except Sundays and holidays. As a result, the circulation has increased both in quantity and quality. The Browne system has not proved to be satisfactory. “ It seems that the person who takes a book should have something to show ■when it has been returned, and this system gives nothing.” Exhibitions of the Library Art Club have been much enjoyed by the public. A ndover. Portraits of Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott and valuable books relating to Scotland and Scottish life have been received, a gift of the late David Middleton, who vras one of the original members of the board of trustees, and was con­ spicuously active and helpful in the formative period of the library. The circulation of 1903 was about that of the pre­ vious year. There are four delivery stations, and books are 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 11 sent to the public schools. The Bradlee Library at • Ballard- vale has been closed for lack of interest; it is to be hoped that it may be reopened soon. Arling ton. A falling off in the circulation of 1903 is noted, but the use of the children’s room shows a gain. There is a marked gain in the attendance in the reading room and the children’s room on Sundays. Ash bu rn h a m . The librarian’s report shows a gratifying increase in the number of cards in use and books taken out. The library is one of the best influences in the community. Ashland. The new library building was opened for public use June 1. This building, which is the gift of Andrew Carnegie, is situated on Front Street, in the centre of the village. It is well lighted and ventilated, and its attractive reading rooms have become popular and are well patronized. Children have the privilege of open shelves in their department, and the stack room is open to the public. The Dewey system of clas­ sification and the Browne charging system have been adopted, and the librarian says: “ I cannot say enough in their praise.” In place of seven hours, as formerly, the public is now given twenty-one hours per week, besides an extra afternoon for reading and study. The last is planned to allow the libra­ rian to give her full time to the teachers and scholars of the public schools. The library grounds have been improved and beautified from money given by the Home Study Club. Atho l. The advantages of the new room in the Academy of Music building, giving ample room for shelving and the uses of administration, and other innovations, have resulted in an increased circulation, in place of the decrease which had been going on for several years. Children are allowed free access to all books in the library, as well as to those in their own de­ partment; and the trustees report that their experience with open shelves has been wholly satisfactory. Mrs. Mercie S. Doane, who had been librarian since 1887, resigned, to take effect in January, 1903; and Miss>Mantie R. Hinman was elected as assistant librarian, in charge of the library. Evi­ dence of a larger interest on the part of the people was given by an increase of $500 in the town appropriation, which was granted without opposition in a year when economy was the cry. Attleborough. Efforts are continued to secure a library build­ ing upon the lot given by Mr. J. L. Sweet, which is much 12 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

needed. The purchase of books must soon cease, for utter lack of shelf room upon which to place them. Meanwhile, the appreciation and use of the library by the public increases. The necessity of a good supply of old and well-known books for children is emphasized. A tableful of new books has not the attraction for the child that it has for the adult; he will pass it by with a casual glance, and go straight to the shelves for an old favorite. Auburn. A legacy of $100 has been received from the estate of George Herbert Mellish of New York. Ay er. Attention has been given to the increase of the children’s department by the purchase of carefully selected books; and considerable has been done to strengthen the resources of the reference room. The library is now open for the delivery of books three afternoons and evenings of each week. B arre. Miss Carrie E. Read succeeded Miss Mary E. Lane as librarian in November, 1903. The trustees announce that they would be glad to establish stations in the outlying dis­ tricts, should the inhabitants of such localities so desire. , B edford. The books of a library of French art, which has been loaned to the library for six months, have been greatly appre­ ciated, and several exhibitions by the Library Art Club have been given. The Bedford Historical Society and the Bedford Society of Natural History are auxiliaries of the library. B elch erto w n . A large increase in the circulation is reported. Four new stacks have been placed in the alcoves. The open- shelf system is appreciated by the larger part of the public. The Belchertown Historical Association’s collection of historic relics and curiosities has been deposited in one of the rooms of the library building, and has proved of much interest to those who visit the rooms. B e l l in g h a m . The schools appreciate more and more each year the privileges of the library; and it is trusted that the library may be an important factor in helping to strengthen and for­ ward educational work. The shelves are open to any one, at any time, for reference. The town has increased its appro­ priation, and books are now sent to stations at the two extrem­ ities of the town. B elm o n t. A continued increase in circulation is reported. The smoking room, an innovation which was noticed in a former report, the use of which had been discontinued, was reopened for a short time, but so little use was made of it that it was 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 13 voted to open it only when there wei;e persons desiring to use it. Books are now delivered at Waverley twice a week, instead of once a week, as formerly. There is a gain in the use of books by teachers. Ber lin . Teachers are allowed extra books as wanted, and a branch has been, established at South Berlin. Bernardston. A set of the Encyclopiedia Britannica has been presented by Albert N. Johnson of Springfield. Branch libra­ ries have been established in the Huckle Hill and West Moun­ tain districts, in the homes of Mrs. C. S. Hale and Mrs. E. Putnam, who generously transport and take care of the books without charge. A reclassification of the books and the preparation of a card catalogue were begun in June. The librarian pertinently writes: “ I hope no other town in the State will be so short-sighted as to allow its library to grow to 8,000 volumes before changing to the card system.” The Browne charging system is used. Beverly. The circulation of books has continued to increase, improvement has been made in administration, and the service in the schools has been enlarged. Six schools now have lend­ ing: libraries. Printed bulletins for free distribution are fur- nished. A disinfecting room has been installed, in which all books returned from the schools and all soiled library books are to be thoroughly purified by formaldehyde gas. Books known to have been used in places where there have been infec­ tious diseases are burned. It has been decided to buy only those works of fiction which are worthy to be kept on the shelves, such as have a literary value, and books for the younger readers. The subscription to the Bodley Library will supply the better light novels of the day. Exhibitions of the pictures of the Library Art Club have been greatly enjoyed. There is a branch library at Beverly Farms, and delivery sta­ tions at North Beverly and Centreville. Billerica . The Talbot Library at North Billerica has been classified by the decimal system. A card catalogue has been completed and a printed catalogue issued. Bla cestone. An increase of the patrons of the library necessi­ tates much more work. It has been decided to abandon the system of open shelves, for a while, at least, on account of the displacement of many volumes, especially by the younger readers. More shelf room is needed. There is a delivery station at East Blackstone. 14 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

B laxdi'Op.d. A second, branch library has been established in the Blair district, of which the librarian writes: “ The library in the west part of the town is greatly appreciated.” A recent inventory shows a loss of but one book in seven years. B oltox. The Whitney Memorial Library, which has been noticed in former reports, was dedicated June 17, 1904, with appro­ priate exercises. The principal address was by Samuel S. Green of the Worcester Free Public Library. A card cata­ logue is being prepared. More than 100 volumes and several articles of interest for the historical room have been received from Mr. and Mrs. Silas Holman, and a gift of $100 has come from Miss L. F. Bowen. The library is open on Wednesdav and Saturday afternoons and evenings. B ostox. There has been a large increase in the stations and de­ livery agencies of this library. There are now ten branch libraries, with permanent collections of books; twenty-two delivery stations, of which thirteen are reading rooms; and one hundred and fifty-three places of deposit or delivery at city institutions, engine houses and public and parochial schools; making a total of one hundred and eighty-five agencies outside of the central library. Of the vexed and vexing question of fiction reading the librarian says: “ The conservative policy which the library is now pursuing with respect to the pur­ chases of current fiction has restricted recent accessions in that class to works by authors of established reputation, or to volumes which have been before the public long enough to have demonstrated their merit. . . . There is no dearth of fiction in the library, easily accessible, much of which is supe­ rior, not only as literature, but in general interest to the aver­ age reader, to the larger part of that recently published. It is not intended to underestimate the value of fiction as a depart­ ment of literature, or the place of the novel in modern literary development. There are doubtless writers of fiction in our day who are worthy to rank with the recognized masters. It may be conceded, also, that it is one of the functions of literature to afford pure amusement to the reader, or through the path­ way of romance to open to him a world apart from our strenu­ ous modern life, and that this may be done by means of the novel as in no other way. Nevertheless, it remains true that out of a thousand volumes of fiction, more or .less, that came from the press last year, there were few which were of more than ordinary merit. The demand for these books is stimu- 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 15 lated by persistent advertising, and with few exceptions they are out of vogue within a short time after publication. The library should serve all classes of readers, but, although the demand for current fiction is insistent, due proportion must be observed in the various classes, of which fiction is but one. . . . In the aggregate, 680 volumes of current fiction passed under consideration during the year ; of the entire number, not more than 200 were by authors who are at all widely known; authors whose reputation is more than local represented a much smaller number. Unless much restricted, purchases in duplicate sufficient to supply the central library and branches, to say nothing of deposit work, would have gone far toward exhausting our available funds. Out of the whole, 135 titles were accepted, manv of which should be classed as fiction for voung readers.” The examining committee recommend “ a larger supplv of standard fiction; greater duplication of copies of books in active demand; prompt replacement of books re­ ported as missing from the shelves; an enlarged appropriation for salaries at the branches, wider advertising of the advan­ tages presented by the branches and stations.” The library has received from the estate of C. W. Folsom a gift of 1,067 letters and manuscripts, rich in material relating to literary people of New England. Boubxe. The use of the library is increasing, and many summer visitors are among its patrons. Loans of pictures are received from the Woman’s Education Association. Boylstox. Teachers are allowed to keep in their schoolrooms such books as may be desired for such time as may be agreed upon. Special subjects are called for, and the best books which the library may possess upon such subjects are selected by the librarian. There are no delivery stations, as the principal sections of the town are closely connected by the electric rail- wav. Under the will of the late Daniel H. Maynard of New- buryport, a native of Bovlston, the amount of certain residu­ ary bequests will accrue for the benefit of the library. Miss Salome E. White of Brooklyn, N. Y., has erected a library building, upon land furnished by the town, in memory of her mother, “ Harriet Sawyer White, who was a native of the town, and her ancestors, whose families were long and promi- nentlv associated with its affairs.” The site is that formerly occupied by the old Centre schoolhouse, with additional land from the adjacent parish land. This marks a spot upon which 16 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. have been transacted some of the principal affairs of the town. Here stood the second meetinghouse, where for many years the town meetings and other public gatherings of the people were held; and after 1851 it was the site of the village school. Here, also, was gathered in 1792 the Boylston Social Library, which maintained an unbroken existence until 1880, when it was merged into the Public Library. The new building was dedicated Nov. 10, 1904, on which occasion an historical ad­ dress was given by Thomas Todd of Concord. The main ad­ dress was by the Rev. Samuel B. Cooper of Forth Brookfield. The building is of field stone from the Boylston farms, and is 60 by 51 feet. From the vestibule, entrance is made to the delivery room, 14 by 20 feet, upon either side of which are the reading and historical rooms, with the librarian’s room in the rear of the latter. All the furnishing of these rooms is of oak, much of it having been presented as memorial gifts. Beyond the delivery room is the semi-circular stack room, which is open to the heavy glass roof, and has a shelving ca­ pacity of from 6,000 to 7,000 volumes. The metal stacks are placed in a radial form. In the basement is a fireproof vault for the safe keeping of the town records. The architects were the Fuller-Delano Company of Worcester. B ridgew ater. The purpose has been to supply those books that will meet the needs and wishes of the people. Careful scru­ tiny is made of the fiction, in order that the weaker books may be eliminated. This course has opened the trustees to some criticism. B r im fie l d . The Danielson-Lincoln Memorial Building, which commemorates two old and influential families of the town, was dedicated June 30. Addresses were made by Prof. Charles E. Fay of Tufts College, Dr. E. V. Sawin and others, and an original poem was read by Mrs. Alice Ormes Allen of Stock- bridge. At the close of the exercises, which were held in the town hall, a reception was held in the new building, which was decorated with, bouquets of wild flowers. The building presents a unique appearance. Its site is on the plot extend­ ing east from the residence of the late Capt. Francis L. Lin­ coln, which is still the home of his family. This ground is the northeast corner of the farm of Gen. Timothy Danielson, whose daughter was Sarah Danielson, to whom the library is a memorial. The character of the building is perfectly adapted to its location. It is constructed of native stone, and is em- 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 17

bowered among the apple trees which were a part of the garden orchard of the Lincoln home. The simple and artistic qualities of the exterior have their correspondence in the character of the interior, from which there is a marked absence of the insti­ tutional appearance. Upon entering, the visitor finds himself in a homelike atmosphere, while he is charmed by the taste and artistic spirit of his surroundings. The wainscoting of the rooms is stained in antique oak finish, and the furniture is of corresponding color. The leading feature of the read­ ing room, and one which adds to its hospitable air, is the great fireplace of native stone. The large hearthstone was brought from the pasture of the ancestral farm. On each side of the fireplace is an antique chimney seat, or settle, from which one looks out upon the fields through windows. On the east side there is a bay window, with a broad seat beneath it. The windows towards the street are of plate glass. In one comer of the room is a cabinet resembling an old-time buffet. Many appropriate gifts of furniture, pictures and other articles have been received. The library has recently adopted an artistic book-plate, which is well worthy of notice, as in keeping with the character of the library building. It bears a representation of Steerage Bock, in Brimfield, a noted historic landmark on the old Bay Path. The library enjoys the loan of the travelling libraries and pictures of the Woman’s Education Association, and books are delivered at stations at East Brimfield and West Brimfield. Of this library Miss Tarbell says: “ The Brimfield Library is not a model library, but a typical library, inasmuch as it represents progress along various lines. Many village libraries have gone farther and done better along certain lines. As I hoped, the homelike atmosphere and feeling of freedom have been increased in the new building. All visitors are impressed by the perfect harmony and artistic quality of the reading room, which is having its influence, no less important than that of books, simply in its expression of the beautiful. The reading room is the reception room of the library. The tables contain neither magazines nor newspapers, but choice photographs and illustrated books. The photographs are foreign views and views of picturesque scenes in Brimfield, to which additions have been made lately. Young people and other visitors are attracted at once to the treasures of these tables. The books and photographs of the travelling library, ‘ Egypt,’ are now 18 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

on the large table in the reading room. To describe or char­ acterize our progress this year, I should say that it consists in increased means and opportunities for the influence of beauty. We began to try for this some years ago, but under disadvantages. Now we have a perfect environment,—In itself a power, and the accessions grow.” B rockton. The circulation of 1903 showed a large increase, not­ ably in that made through the schools. The circulation at the Campello reading room fell off, largely on account of the nearness of the Huntington school and its delivery; and that at Montello increased about one-third. At both branches a start towards increasing the supply of permanent reference books has been made, with every promise of greater attention in the future. On Aug. 1,1904, Robert Kendall Shaw, from the Library of Congress, assumed the duties of librarianship, suc­ ceeding Clarence W. Ayer, now librarian of the Cambridge Public Library. During the four months following the resig­ nation of Mr. Ayer the affairs of the library were most ably administered by the assistant librarian, Miss Clara A. Brett. The most noteworthy improvement made has been the estab­ lishment of a separate room for the children. This was of im­ mediate advantage both to the children and the adult readers. The exclusion of the children from the main reading room brought more comfort to the grown people, and induced an almost immediate increase of attendance; while the children’s room became so popular that several times within the first month of its opening the circulation almost equalled that of the main library. The librarian says : “ Only those who have attempted to carry on the regular administration of a library with a crowd of eager children swarming in every room will fully realize the benefit derived by young and old alike at the separation. We are only making a start with our work among the children, and hope to do more during the coming season.” Unfortunately, there was an enforced closing of the children’s room during two months, February 19-April 20, by which the circulation suffered. At the time of closing the work was well organized, and the set-back proved very serious. The books in the reference room have been reclassified by the Dewey system, which it is intended to extend to the regular shelves. B rookline. The most important item in the expansion of the work of the library during the year has been the opening of 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 44, 19

a deposit and delivery station at Coolidge Corner. Besides the deposit of boolis in an open case ready for distribution, a regular delivery is made from the central library twice a week; but the issue of books directly from the deposit collection bids fair to be much larger than the issue by delivery from the library, so great is the preference of the public for choosing the book itself, rather than the title of one from a catalogue. The children's books have been thoroughly examined and brought together. The librarian says: “ It has been our in­ tention to reject not only that which is bad and unwholesome in juvenile literature, but also what is simply dull, and to make our collection a model of what a children's library should be. It will not be possible, in our present crowded and incon­ venient quarters, to allow the children free and unrestricted access to their library; but to the parents the alcoves will be open, and I believe that many of them will appreciate the opportunity of selecting books for their children from a well- chosen and carefully arranged collection.” The opening of the library, both reading rooms and delivery department, on Sundays, is being considered. Land has been bought by the town adjoining the present library lot, and a new building is likely to be erected within a few years. The Newark charging system, after the trial of a year, has proved of great benefit. Much time has been spent in working out the simplest and best system for the two deposit stations, with considerable suc­ cess. During the year two apprentices have served terms of eight months without pay, with benefit to themselves and the library. One of them was engaged to work on the reclassi­ fication of the library at the expiration of her term. Cambkidge. A bequest of $7,350.39 has been received from Miss Abigail L. Prentiss, to establish the “ William E. Saunders alcove,” in memory of her nephew. There are thirteen deliv­ ery stations, besides the branch at East Cambridge.- New stations are often more or less of an experiment, and every attempt to bring a new locality into closer touch with the main library is by ijo means sure to succeed. Two or three of the present stations have shown little indication that they are needed, and it may be advisable to abandon them in favor of other locations. Five sets have been added to the collection of stereoscopic views, and the total number now used is twelve. They afford so much pleasure to the children who frequent the library that it is quite unnecessary to attempt to 20 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

put an estimate on their direct educational value. The libra­ rian, William L. R. Gifford, resigned at the close of 1903, to assume the charge of the library of the St. Louis Mercantile Library Association. The trustees say, in their annual re­ port : “ Coming to Cambridge in the year 1895, after the lamented death of Miss Almira L. Hayward, Mr. Gifford un­ dertook with singular skill and untiring patience the classifica­ tion and cataloguing of all the books of the library according to the most approved modern methods. It is not too much to say that his success in this great work and his control of every administrative detail have reflected credit not only upon himself, but upon the library and the city of Cambridge.” In February, Clarence Walter Ayer, librarian of the Brockton Public Library, was elected to succeed Mr. Gifford. The newest feature of the work of the year is the so-called “ travel­ ling library.” Within the last two months nine lots of books, numbering 50 volumes each, have been sent to as many local delivery stations. The choice of books for each lot was di­ vided evenly between fiction and non-fiction, and it comprised a representative selection of popular books on all subjects, old as well as new. After these lots have run their course in their present places, they will all be exchanged and “ travel ” to other stations. It is intended to add, within a short time, three more lots, and send them to the three remaining stations. These “ travelling libraries ” are designed not only to provide the stations with good reading of a popular kind, but also to supplement the work of the local delivery in such a manner as to afford some sort of recompense for failures on the part of borrowers to get from the main library, through the regular local delivery, the book or books for which they may have, from time to time, sent. Each lot is to be considered separate from the books sent through the local delivery, and to be separately charged on slips without cards, except for identification. Their welcome was immediate and cordial. Within a short time three stations were calling for more books. These, un- fortunately, could not be supplied, owing to lack of duplicates at the main library, and to the necessity of first sending lots to the remaining stations. To the president and the libra­ rian, as a special committee, were intrusted the details of establishing these “ travelling libraries.” It is intended that their usefulness shall not stop with the local delivery stations, but that it shall, in course of time, reach out to clubs, societies, 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 21

fire stations, churches and other organizations. They have proved to meet, in part at least, a long-felt want, and serve to indicate another avenue of opportunity for the library, and another call for a larger appropriation. Canton. The library is now open for purposes of reading and reference on every Sunday afternoon, from 3 to 6 o’clock. While the Sunday use of the library has not been so large as might be wished, it has steadily increased, and it is believed that it will continue to increase as the advantages it offers become better understood and appreciated. There is a large and constantly increasing use of the library for reference and general study. Mr. Augustus Hemenway gave $1,500 towards the expenses of administration during the year 1904, he hav­ ing given the same in 1903, upon the condition that the town appropriate the same or a larger sum for the same purpose. A bulletin of additions is printed monthly in the local paper, and the newest books are placed on open shelves, where they may be freely examined. Exhibitions of the pictures of the Library Art Club are frequent. Carves. An increasing interest in the library is noted, owing in a large measure to the efforts of the public-spirited resi­ dents of the town. The success of the stations which were opened last year led to the belief that the same methods might be pursued in other sections of the town with equally gratify­ ing results, and a third station has been established at East Carver. Two of the stations are in schoolhouses, and are necessarily closed during the vacations. The circulation of books has been largely increased by the opening of the stations. A card catalogue is being made. Ch a rlem on t. Miss Lizzie M. Temple was obliged by illness to resign, and in June Miss Juliet B. Smith became librarian. The library has about 3,400 volumes, one-half of which has recently been acquired under the will of Joseph White of Williamstown. The books are kept in a comfortable room in the town hall, with a separate room for the White books, which are shelved in cases given by the trustees of the Rockville (Conn.) Public Library from their old building. There are no facilities for a reading room, and it is likely that this val­ ley town, fourteen miles long and one and one-quarter miles wide, could make but little use of one. Magazine reading is popular, as the periodicals contain something in which a whole family can share, and they are kept in constant motion. 22 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. During the winter books are sent to a reading club at East Charlemont, and changed when desired. The librarian aims to help the younger readers in choosing books. In this town neighborly good-will effects much. One lady receives and cares for the books sent to East Charlemont, while another drives from Zoar for books for herself and neighbors; a man from Gilead crosses the river in a boat to change books with Zoar, and a State ward walks miles to bring in books. The library has no visitors who are more regular and interested than the children from the village school. Chelm sford. North Chelmsford Library Association. This li­ brary is so crowded for room that nothing beyond the routine work is practicable. A heavy loss has been sustained by the death of the president, Luther H. Sargent. The library was established largely by his influence and effort, and he was for many years its stanch supporter, contributing both money and time towards its support. Adams LibrarjL This library has received a gift of $25 from a summer resident. Ch e l se a . The circulation of 1903 shows an increase of 28 per cent, over that of the previous year. This increase came almost entirely from the children’s department, as nearly four- fifths of it were of books drawn from the juvenile class, and more than one-half of the new names were registered by schol­ ars in the grammar grades. A large proportion of the gain in the other classes is also due to the children, as it was found necessary, on account of the rapidly increasing demand, to limit the use of the juvenile class to one book only on a card, and this obliged those who wished two books to draw the sec­ ond one from another class. Clement Ryder has given the library its first literature for the blind, consisting of 30 maga­ zines in the Braille type. A collection of books relating to Chelsea is being made. Exhibitions of pictures of the Li­ brary Art Club have been given. The librarian says: “ We now feel that the library is doing good work with adults, young people and schools, and that it has reached the max­ imum figures possible under existing conditions.” Ch e s h ir e . A s for several years past, the library enjoys the use of the travelling libraries and pictures of the Woman’s Edu­ cation Association. Ch e st e r . This library was formerly open on Saturday after­ noons and evenings; it is now open on Wednesday afternoons, and it has been found that nearly one-fourth of the circula- 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 23

tion has been on that day. The circulation is increasing and the young people are taking more books under this arrange­ ment. Chesterfield . The past year has been one of prosperity, and apparently of progress. The patronage of residents and vis- t itors is assurance of appreciation of the work of the library, the managers of which do all they can with the means at their command. Eeference books have in some instances been loaned to schools for extended periods, with the thought that a book at hand, when the need for it arises, does better service than if it is on the library shelves, to be consulted when con­ venient. The branch at West Chesterfield is well sustained, and enjoyed by the people of that section. No large bequests have been received, but the lesser gifts that now and then find their way to the shelves show a thoughtful interest, and are every one helpful. Clin to n . The circulation of books constantly increases, notably in the children’s department, and the opening on each and every day has proved beyond measure satisfactory. The open­ ing on Sunday, under certain restrictions, gives to many, seek­ ing quiet and good books, an hour not out of harmony with the thought of the Lord’s Day. This opportunity is gaining in favor, and the directors believe that the new methods, made possible for the first time in the history of the library, are great helps to the community in general. Cohass^ t . By a vote of the town a union has been effected be­ tween the Cohasset Free Public Library and the Paul Pratt Memorial Library. The books of the former have been loaned to the latter for a term of three years, and the two boards, whose relations have been most harmonious, act together in the selection and purchase of books. In the absence of a com­ pleted catalogue, the shelves were thrown open,—an experi­ ment which has apparently proved satisfactory. The circula­ tion has about doubled. There is now no age limit, and a great many more children take books. Two books are allowed to each person, provided only one is fiction. The reference library has grown in its demands, and it has received the care­ ful attention of the book committee. Concord., A legacy of $10,000, for the general purposes of the library, given by the will of William Munroe, having become payable, has been received. By the will of the late Samuel Hoar the library received the sum of $2,000 for its art depart­ ment, and Mr. Hoar’s office table, which was used as a cabinet 24 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. table by the successive presidents and cabinets at Washington, beginning with Madison and ending with Grant. Upon the death of his wife Mr. Hoar bequeaths the sum of $10,000, to be used for the purchase of books; and if no lineal descendants survive, the residue of his personal property is to be divided in equal shares between the library and Harvard College. A legacy from Alfred Munroe, of his collection of about 200 foreign photographs, has been received. D alton. By the will of the late Mrs. James B. Crane the library receives a bequest of $5,000, the income of which is to be used in the purchase of books. The larger part of the work of this library is in reference work for the schools and clubs, but the home circulation is increasing. D anvers. Books are delivered to the schools and at three delivery stations. The demands on the library have so increased that where formerly two daj’s in a week were sufficient to attend to the work, four days are now hardly enough to agcomplish it. The circulation has increased 50 per cent., and the num­ ber of borrowers has doubled since 1896, when the first town appropriation was received. The catalogue cards of the Li­ brary of Congress are used, at a great saving over the old method. All recent books are placed upon open shelves, be­ sides collections of works on current topics. T here is no ques­ tion of the enjoyment of the children in their reading room. Wind and weather have little effect upon their attendance; the “ no school ” signal usually means to the librarian the care of children in sufficient numbers to comprise several school grades. Exhibitions of the pictures of the Library Art Club are given. D artm outh. Dartmouth Free Public Library. This library has been removed from the room in the high school building at Russell’s Mills to a room in a vacant building. The books are to be arranged by the Dewey system. D ed h a m . The trustees report that “ a large portion of the books added yearly are of the lighter class of literature, but they supply the demand of the public; and in a library of the size of this one, dependent upon annual appropriations at the town meetings, it would not be good policy, nor fair to the readers, to expend more than a fair proportion of the funds for works of a classical and permanent nature, which would only be con­ sulted by students or specialists. A public library in a town like Dedham largely takes the place of the old circulating library; and, while great care is taken to exclude books of an 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 25

immoral or of sectarian tendency, the mass of readers expect and require the current publications of the day, which amuse and interest them, and perhaps encourage a taste for more virile and instructive reading.” Deliveries are made to the schools, and there are branch libraries at East Dedham and Oakdale. In place of the list of accessions heretofore printed in the annual town reports, leaflets devoted to special classes have been issued this year. When a sufficient number of titles gather in each class they are printed in the local newspaper and reprinted in pamphlet form on two or four pages. Of these there have been furnished for free distribution two for fiction and one each for history and biography. The weekly deliver of books to pupils of the fourth to ninth grades con­ tinues, with excellent results. Teachers and scholars are guided in their selections by a printed list of good reading, prepared by the superintendent of schools. Deerfield. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association. Much has been done in classification and arrangement of books. The most valuable addition of the year was a set of the New Eng­ land Historical and Genealogical Register. Douglas. The Simon Fairfield Library building at East Douglas was dedicated January 28. The books are being reclassified by the Dewey system, with Cutter author numbers. There is a partial card catalogue, which it is proposed to extend. The Browne system of charging is used and is liked. Free access to the stack room is allowed to adults, but not to children. The schools continue to make an extensive use of the library, and the reading room is well patronized. Since the opening of the new building the use of the library has largely increased. Dover. The removal of the high school to the western part of the town is the probable cause of a diminished circulation. This shows the close relationship which exists between the libraries and the school, and their mutual dependence; and it empha­ sizes the desirability of school deliveries, especially where the schools are remote from the libraries. A classified catalogue has been issued. New shelves have been added to accommo­ date the growing collection, and electricity has been introduced for lighting in place of kerosene. A gift of $100 has been received from Mrs. Arthur Davis. The shelves are open to the public. D racut. Valuable gifts have been received. An elegant book, or illustrated manuscript, has been presented by the Molly Varnum Chapter, D. A. R., of Lowell and vicinity. This is 26 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. printed and decorated by pen and brush by Ross Turner of Boston, and contains the names of the four hundred men of Dracut who served in the army of the revolution. Individual members of the chapter have given oil portraits of early citi­ zens of the town and a bust of Washington. The library en­ deavors to assist the teachers of the public schools in educa­ tional work by purchasing and loaning books for the school children, and books and magazines are loaned to reading rooms and societies. D uxbury. Weekly deliveries of books are now made to five sta­ tions in remote parts of the town. E ast B ridgew ater. Annual sales have been held for several years, the proceeds of which add to the financial resources of the library. A messenger service has been established in the Robbins Pond neighborhood, and another in Elmwood. The expense is met by local assistance from Robbins Pond and by the Aoung People’s League of Elmwood. By the will of Mrs. Agnes M. Hobart, whose liberality to the library on many oc­ casions is gratefully remembered, a bequest of $500 is made to be used as the needs of the library may require. Care has been used in the purchase of fiction. The aim has been to select the best,—those books which are likely to be of permanent value,—and let the rest go. In this connection it is gratify­ ing to note that many of the elder readers are returning to the older novelists, Scott, Dickens and the rest, and many of the younger readers are taking them up for the first time. The flash and glitter of the recent historical novels ought not to blind our eyes to the fact that great novels were written be­ fore “ Janice Meredith ” and “ Eben Holden.” E a sth a m pto x . The library has been well used, not only by read­ ers in general, but especially by the schools, whose pupils come more frequently. Teachers are encouraged to come or send for books to be used by their scholars in school work, and pains are taken to provide the best works of reference, which are continually used. Care is taken to encourage the reading of books other than fiction, and selections of such books are placed where they can be examined by the public. The use of the two-book system has had the effect of decreasing the per­ centage of the circulation of fiction. E ast L ongmeadow. An increased interest in the library is indi­ cated by an increase in its use. E gremont. For the better accommodation of the people of North and West Egremont, branches have been established at those 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 27

places, books being taken from the main library to be returned. and exchanged every two months. This is appreciated by those who formerly had little or no use for the library. Erviatg. Cards, catalogues, etc., are now used, and the plan is more satisfactory than the old way of going to the shelves; it makes it easier. The library is not used through the summer as freely as during the winter. The Miller’s Falls branch has received a gift of $60 in cash. Everett. Frederick E. Parlin Memorial Library. This library, although it has been in its present building but ten years, is already cramped for room. To make room, all its State and national documents, some of which, at least, should have been preserved, have been returned to the departments from whence they came. The children’s room, with accommodations for forty-five, has space for only about one-half of its present re­ quirements. Many libraries in the State are in the same con­ dition, care having been taken only for immediate needs, with no thought of those of the future. Space for the growth of a reasonable period and ample land for extension should always be provided in the erection of a library building. The library has purchased the Italian and Palestine sets of stereoscopic views. These pictures have been found helpful as well as entertaining, and the study of those countries has been greatly aided by their use. The librarian recommends the giving of visiting days to the staff throughout the year, after the plan adopted by the schools. In visiting other libraries there may be gained much inspiration and many ideas which can be worked out at home. Shute Memorial Library. The circulation of 1903 showed a liberal increase over that of 1902. The library has been divided into two parts, one for the children and the other for the adults, which has proved of value, and has given satisfac­ tion to all. The “ children’s corner ” has met with great suc­ cess. The purchase of adjacent land for future use is urged with propriety. The unfortunate condition of many libraries for lack of ample space should be a warning. F a irh a v en . The circulation of 1903 shows a gain of 11.7 per cent, over that of 1902, with a low rate of fiction. At the be­ ginning of the year 45.6 per cent, of the residents of the town over eleven years of age were registered borrowers,—a propor­ tion hardly surpassed in the country. Non-fiction privileges have been extended, so that any reasonable number of books may be borrowed at one time on a single card. Current peri- 28 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. odicals are issued for one week instead of two; this enables a much larger number to use them while they are fresh. Peri­ odicals over four months old and all bound volumes are loaned for two weeks, as before. During the summer months many avail themselves of the vacation reading plan, by which six novels of titles published prior to 1902 may be taken and re­ tained until September. A collection of illustrative material has been begun by several high school girls, who meet and pull to pieces old magazines. Quite a large collection has been gathered, classified, indexed and numbered for circulation. It is likely to be useful to teachers and others who are in search of illustrations. By an arrangement with the school authorities, talks to pupils of the eighth and ninth grades have been given for the purpose of instruction in the proper use of books. To test the information gained from these talks, test lists of material in the library on several subjects were ob­ tained from the schools. The result was gratifying, for, of a class of forty, twenty presented excellent lists and eleven others fair ones. This library appears to present an excellent example of experimental work along practical lines. F all R iv er. The children’s library with open shelves continues to grow in favor and usefulness. Care has been taken in selecting books for this department, giving due regard to the necessity of providing books alike for recreation and instruc­ tion. Careful selections have been made of fiction, but the fact that books of enduring value must form a large portion of the possessions even of a children’s library has never been overlooked. The reference department of the library has re­ ceived valuable additions, and its privileges are enjoyed by a large number of visitors. The attendant is called upon fre­ quently to assist in investigations of subjects or to furnish information on a wide range of topics. Additions to the stack room will give room for nearly 10,000 volumes. A printed catalogue, supplementary to that of 1882, is in contemplation, and preliminary clerical work is being done. It is expected that the work of preparation and printing will cover a period of about two years. F a lm o u th . The town library has received a gift of valuable books from Mrs. Henry Bryant, and a legacy of books from Mrs. Frances E. Swift. A finding list has been printed, and good progress has been made upon the card catalogue. The West Falmouth Library has received gifts of books from sev- 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 29 era! interested persons, and the directors are making arrange­ ments for classifying and recataloguing the library. F itchburg. The circulation for home use has increased. The attendance in the reading, reference and children’s rooms often taxes the seating accommodations, particularly on Sat­ urday and Sunday afternoons. The building is open every day in the year except holidays. There is a feeling that it should be opened on all days, and it is recommended that it be open on holidays during the same hours as on Sundays. The local history collection is steadily growing. Books and pam­ phlets relating to Fitchburg are especially desired. A delivery station is maintained at West Fitchburg, the usefulness of which would be greatly increased if it could be made a deposit station, which the librarian recommends. This library is trying the experiment of renting current books from the Bodley Li­ brary. This was begun about July 1, and has been popular with the borrowers. The Bodley books, numbering 100, are shelved in the delivery hall, where they are accessible to the public. Early in the year a catalogue of the art gallery and museum was published. Recently this department has been greatly enriched by the gift of several reproductions of classic statuary, from the president of the trustees, Henry A. Willis. Plans are under consideration for the installation of a second steel bookstack, for which funds have been generously provided by Herbert I. Wallace, a trustee of the library, and son of the donor of the Wallace Library and art building. F lorida. Deposits of books are placed in each sehoolhouse, and the circulation increases from year to year. F r a n k l in . The Bay Memorial Library building, which has been for several years in course of erection, was dedicated Oct. 4, 1904, on which occasion an address was delivered by Ex- Governor John D. Long. This building, which is the gift of the daughters of the late Joseph G. Bay, who was the town’s wealthiest and most honored citizen, as a memorial of their father and mother, is considered to be one of the finest library buildings in the country. It is “ purely a civic structure, and contains a free public library, with beautiful reading rooms and a spacious lecture hall, besides a memorial hall or corridor in the front of the building. The design is that of an an­ cient Greek building, and every detail of its construction, both inside and outside, adheres closely to the best that was Greek in line and ornament, besides much that is of the most modern 30 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. in the conveniences and utilities necessary for such a building.” Opening from the entrance portico is the memorial hall, 20 by 62 feet, which is to contain portraits of the donors and their parents. The scheme of decoration in this room is a rich red, in which mahogany, marble, bronze and other ma­ terials harmonize, the walls on three sides containing five elaborate panels by Tomasso Juglaris of Turin and Boston. “ These decorations relieve the somewhat sombre effect of this hall, and light it up with the color and life with which the artist has imbued his panels.” ' The reading room covers the remaining depth and about two-thirds of the width of the building, is two stories in height, and is lighted from above. The frieze, running all around the room, contains panels of • Greek festival life by Juglaris, which are worked out in a deco­ rative spirit. The adjoining room, occupying the remaining portion of the main floor, is 25 by 67 feet and of the same height as the reading room. This room is divided by screens into three portions,—a delivery room in front, a stack room in the centre and a librarian’s room in the rear. The stack has a ca­ pacity of about 50,000 volumes. The rooms of the main floor are lighted by tiers of windows, placed high in the walls and set with prismatic glass. The basement, which is on the lower level of a side street, contains a spacious and pleasant chil­ dren’s room and a lecture room, which is fitted with cabinets for local history collections. The general architectural design of the entire building and its decoration have been supervised by Henry H. Gallison of Boston, who has contributed several paintings to its walls. The architects are Rand & Skinner of Boston. “ Ho formal transfer of the property will be made to the town, the reason being that, while boards of select­ men may change their views, the view point of true art is established, and the future of the Ray memorial is therefore entrusted to no one except the donors and their heirs. The people of Franklin are glad to accept the gift in this spirit, there being no cost of maintenance, taxes, increase of books, or anything of expense but which will be taken care of by the Ray estate. The library will then stand as a fitting memorial to a self-made man, a work of classic art, and a lesson in applied philanthropy.” Gardner. A system of school libraries has passed the experi­ mental stage with gratifying results. The teachers have been helpful in extending this work, and have done much to bring 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 31 about an increase in the children’s use of the main library. It is estimated that 40 per cent, of the cards in active use are held by children. A decrease in the general circulation, which has been constant for several years, became a matter of in­ vestigation and of comparison with other libraries. It was found that the loss was largely or wholly in the fiction class. This condition has been found in other libraries, and is not a matter of great concern under existing circumstances, which are known to most librarians. An arrangement with the Bod- ley Library, made early in 1904, appears to be a successful solution of the fiction problem. The circulation has steadily increased, even during the summer months, and the danger of crowding the shelves with books of passing popularity is avoided. Readings from the poets are given, as many people will listen to poetry who will not read it. In this and other ways an attempt is being made to develop a taste for some­ thing better than weak fiction. Exhibitions of the collections of the Library Art Club are given in connection with talks upon the subjects illustrated; and it has been found that this has brought the library in touch with people who have not hitherto been interested. Miss Mary Reynolds Clarke suc­ ceeded Miss Ellen B. Cramton as librarian in May. Georgetown. The value and influence of the library increase year by year. There is an increasing demand for books of real worth and permanent value, and a decrease in the call for works of a trashy and frivolous nature. Books designed to supplement the text books used in the schools have been supplied, in order to afford the pupils a wider view and a more thorough understanding of the subjects studied. The building fund is now over $20,000, and is available for the erection of a library building when the town shall so direct. Gosnold. The library building has been enlarged. A collection of about 500 volumes is well used by the twenty-five families resident upon the island. Many strangers visit the island during the summer months; and express surprise at the inter­ est which the people take in the books. There have been no new books or gifts received during the past year. Grafton. The trustees call attention to the fact that far too small a proportion of the inhabitants of the town use the library. The circulation increases each year to a small degree, but not at the rate that it should. The library contains much in stand­ ard literature and the best of fiction, and new books are put 32 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. in circulation each month. The public are admitted to the stack room. Delivery stations are established in four outly­ ing villages. Granby. The library room has been stained and varnished, and the shelving capacity about doubled. A gift of $50 and a legacy of $200 have been received, both for the purchase of books. This has enabled the library to obtain some reference books and historical works that could not have been pur­ chased from the town appropriation. Granville. Books have been delivered on two evenings of each week, and the reading room has been open every evening ex­ cept Sundays and holidays. Additions of books have been made by the town and by individuals, and the Granville Li­ brary Club has shared with the town the expense of running the library. There have been exhibitions of pictures loaned by the Woman’s Education Association. Great B arrington. A gift of £20 sterling has been received from a brother of the present Lord Barrington of England, as the beginning of a fund for a new library building. Gr e e n fie l d . The report in hand is for eleven months, ending Jan. 31, 1904. The per cent, of fiction has slightly decreased; that taken by children was 57 per cent., against 67 per cent, selected by adult readers. The children are making intelli­ gent use of their part of the librae; forty-two vacation read­ ers secured certificates for completing a prescribed course of summer reading; 33 per cent, of all books loaned were taken by children. The duplicate library has been enlarged. It more than pays for itself, and gives general satisfaction. This collection diverts some of the demand for new fiction from the copies in the library proper, and thus makes it easier for those who do not care to spend a cent a dajr to obtain the more re­ cent books without extra charge. Exhibitions of the pictures of the Library Art Club have been given; that of the works of \ elasquez excited the most interest. A number of Polish books and a Polish newspaper -have been added to the library, and are much appreciated by the constantly growing popula­ tion of that nationality. Groton. W eekly deliveries of books are now made at West Groton. Teachers and others engaged in special lines of study may take books in any quantity, subject to the discretion of the librarian. Such loans must be renewed at the end of three weeks, and must be returned at any time upon the writ­ ten notification of the librarian that the books are desired by 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 33

another person. Miss Ellen King of New York lias given $50 for the purchase of books and $100 for the purchase of a col­ lection of native butterflies; the collection, which consists of 300 specimens, has been secured and placed in the library. Monthly exhibitions of the Library Art Club are given. Groveland. Miss Alice L. Quimby resigned the librarianship in 1903, and the vacancy was filled by the election of Miss Louise F. Cammett. Through the continued courtesy of the Woman’s Education Association the library has received the loan of several of its travelling libraries with pictures. These libra­ ries may be retained several months, and offer real educational advantages. Purchases of books are made quarterly, from titles suggested by users of the library; thus far this plan has proved very satisfactory. Hadley. The collection of relics in the historical room has be­ come a genuine attraction to visitors. A memorial to the vet­ erans of the civil war is to be placed in the library hall. A branch library is maintained at North Hadley, the liberal use of which shows the interest of the inhabitants of that section. Ham ilton. The trustees have endeavored to meet the demands of all classes of readers, and to awaken a taste for books for which, as yet, there is little demand. They have followed the principle that a small group of careful students should be pro­ vided for, as well as a larger class who read much that is of passing value, and who are constantly asking for the latest books, as if they were always the best. To this end books have been furnished freely to individuals, clubs, societies and schools, provided, always, that the works desired are of per­ manent value. A new feature is a group of books for very young children of kindergarten age. The library has enjoyed the loans of the Woman’s Education Association. Hanover. Besides the central library, there are four delivery sta­ tions, which are well patronized. Money for a library build­ ing will be available before many years have passed. There has been a little complaint because some are unable to get the books they send for. It would be impossible for the library to have duplicates of the new and popular books, and the only remedy seems to be for people to withdraw more of the solid books, especially some of those added in recent years, which were once new and are as interesting as ever. H ardw ick. Geo. H. Gilbert Manufacturing Company’s Library. This library, which bears the name of the corporation which supports it, serves the people of the village of Gilbertville. Its 34 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. circulation has steadily increased. It has been moved into new quarters, and an authors’ card catalogue has been intro­ duced, which has proved to be very helpiul. H arvard. In addition to the gifts of the late Warren Hapgood, which were mentioned in the report of last year, the library has received the paintings and other art works belonging to Mr. Hapgood, as the nucleus of an art collection. A gas light­ ing plant has been installed in the building. H a v e rh ill. The circulation of 1903 showed an increase in the use of non-fiction and a decrease in that of fiction, the per cent, of the latter dropping 3 per cent. The number of new books bought was hot so great as in recent years, owing to their increased cost, while the book income remained fixed. This caused more careful buying, and the deferring of the pur­ chase of high-priced books not needed as soon as published. Later, many such books were bought cheaper at second hand, and others were found not indispensable, and were dropped from the order list. Instead of high-priced books of doubtful value, duplicates of reference and ever-popular books were bought, and a systematic attempt begun to fill gaps in histor­ ical collections and the reference sets of magazines. This practice will continue until the library contains, with few ex­ ceptions, all the magazines in “ Poole’s Index.” The music collection has received important additions from James W. Hill. The use of the library by the schools has been most satisfactory; the school circulation increased 44 per cent, over that of the preceding year. Reference work is steadily grow­ ing, while there is a decrease in the use of light reading. Work with the schools and with study clubs forms a large part of the library work. For several study clubs pro­ grammes were arranged and reference lists prepared. Each year all the study clubs have been urged to submit to the libra­ rian their courses of study before they were adopted, that they might be modified to suit the resources of the library, or dis­ carded altogether. Courses so modified have proved more satisfactory to all than those on which the library possessed no literature and apparently none existed. The mothers’ clubs met at the library, and the librarian gave them a short talk on children’s reading, and furnished them with lists of selected books. The two-book system is used, and stack privi­ leges are granted on individual request, if deemed advisable or necessary. The branch library at Bradford, formerly the 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 35

town library of that place, is a complete library, with open shelves, and special funds of its own for the purchase of non­ fiction and reference books. The branch at Washington Street is in the heart of the business and factory district. It has a small collection of books on open shelves, especially selected to meet the needs of its patrons. The other branches are delivery stations, with small reference collections, books on deposit for circulation, which are changed every three months, and a weekly delivery from the central library. Heath. A donation of about 100 volumes has been received from Dr. D. N. Kinsman of Columbus, 0., mostly suitable as books of reference, especially a set of the Encyclopedia Britannica. There is no age limit; if a child is old enough to want a book, he is old enough to have one. Hingham. Nantasket Library. This library is situated at Nan- tasket Corner, where Hingham, Cohasset and Hull join. It serves the permanent residents of that locality, who are far from the libraries of their respective towns. To them it is free, and summer residents ma)r take books on prescribed terms and conditions. Its work has steadily increased, and its influence for good, especially with the children, is more and more felt. Important gifts have been received during the year. Mrs. W. W. Clapp gave nearly 300 volumes, and dona­ tions from others made the aggregate number of books re­ ceived by gift amount to nearly 600 volumes. The library now contains about 2,200 volumes. Besides the appropria­ tions received from the three towns, cash gifts of over $200 have been received. Hollistoh. Personal access to the shelves has proved of educa­ tional value, particularly to the young, the inconveniences being offset by the greater advantages of the system. Attention is being given towards developing the reference department by adding thereto historical and genealogical works and vital records, as means allow. The new Carnegie building has been completed, standing upon land given by the late Mrs. Eliza­ beth S. Burnap of Holliston. It is of long, thin, light-colored bricks, with granite base and terra-cotta trimmings. The ves­ tibule is flanked on either side by the reference and catalogue rooms, beyond which is a commodious and well-lighted read­ ing room. The rooms are finished in stained and polished ash, and the walls are tinted in pale green. The stack room is light and roomy, and of a slow-burning construction, with 36 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. » brick walls and a steel-lined door. The basement is light and airy, with a fireproof work shop under the stack room. The building is lighted by electricity. H opedale. The library has printed a finding list of technical books useful to the employees in the factories. Recent work with the schools has been especially in the line of helping the teachers to know the library. A small collection of music, for general circulation, has been added to the library. Exhibi­ tions of the pictures of the Library Art Club are given. The trustees have voted to discontinue the branch at South Hope- dale. H ubbakdston. The library has been open on four evenings of the week during the summer and early fall, and improvements have been made in the furniture of the reading room. The schools, more particularly the one in the centre of the town, make free use of all books which in any "way aid in their work. These are loaned without regard to time limit. H udson. The Carnegie library building, now in process of erec­ tion, will be ready for occupancy early in the coming year. The plans are by Albert Randolph Ross of Hew York, and the contractors are J. E. Warren & Co. of Marlborough. It is of brick with stone and terra-cotta trimmings, and has a frontage of 64 feet, a depth of 75 feet, and a front elevation of 28 feet. On the ground floor is a vestibule, and a delivery room in the centre. On the right of these is a trustees’ and librarian’s room. On the other side is a reference room and a chil­ dren’s room. In the rear of these rooms is the general read­ ing room, which has a fireplace, and commands a fine view of the river and the distant hills. The stack room, which is in the rear of the librarian’s room, has a capacity of 20,000 volumes on the basement and ground floor tiers and a possible 10,000 volumes on the second tier when needed. The base­ ment contains, besides the lower stack, a newspaper reading room of the same capacity as the reading room above, a work room, a boiler room, a janitor’s room and toilet rooms. The library has introduced the Bodley Club books, in order to give a larger range of fiction than it would be thought best to buy. H ull. The library has been well patronized by the citizens of the town. Over 1,200 books were issued in 1903. On account of enlarging the school building in that year the books were stored for nearly four months, thus depriving summer resi­ dents of the use of the library. Many books are used by the teachers in school work. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 37

H untington. A branch has been established at Knightville by the deposit of 30 volumes in the schoolhouse. When these have “ been the rounds,” they are to be returned to the library and 30 more deposited for another period. The town appro­ priations are increased each year, which shows a steady growth of interest and usefulness. Hyde P ark. A branch library has been established in the Phil­ lips Brooks Memorial Reading Room at Readville. The gen­ eral circulation has increased, and that of the children s department shows a gain of nearly 2,000 volumes. More teachers are using the library for school purposes, and are in­ teresting themselves in the children’s reading. Kingston. The library continues to grow in value, and more people are discovering the great utility of the books now so readily accessible. To encourage a still wider use, the two- card system has been adopted. Bound volumes of magazines are much used. Recent books, with a selection of older ones, are placed in a case open to the public; this is varied sometimes by a shelf of books on some special subject. A number of photographs of historic houses and ancient landmarks have been presented. Lakeville. In addition to the allowance of books from the State, donations amounting to $200 in money have been received. Eighty volumes were given by the Woman’s Education Asso­ ciation and individuals, and later several hundred volumes were received from the heirs of Mrs. Mary N. Perley of Worcester. The travelling libraries of the Woman’s Education Association are used. In making purchases especial attention has been given to the selection of desirable children’s books. By means of the two branches, together with the car lines and school' teams, books are being circulated even in the extreme limits of the town. Lancaster. An adaptation of a plan of the Webster Free Circu­ lating Library of New York has been introduced, by which students and others engaged in any line of study may take out at one time as many books as may be needed. The books must be renewed either by postal card or in person at the end of three weeks, and the librarian reserves the right to recall them at any time if they are needed for reference, the books to be returned to the borrower as soon as possible. It is believed that this plan has been very helpful. An experiment which has apparently worked well is that of throwing open the shelves in the reading room to readers. At present the books 38 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. on these shelves are mainly biography, but they will be changed from time to time, so as to bring different classes be­ fore the readers. Lawrence. A Hebrew collection, composed in part of books pre­ sented by the Hebrew Progressive Association, has been put in circulation with a printed catalogue. The results and the interest manifested by the Hebrew people in good literature in their own tongue have been gratifying. The children’s room continues to be a strong magnet, and not infrequently is there standing room only. The age limit is fourteen years, but children below that age in the upper grades of the gram­ mar schools are allowed cards as special students, but fiction is not to be taken. The photographs of the Library Art Club are exhibited, and the attention of the high and grammar school grades called to them, with good results. The library has been made a distributing agency of the General Theologi­ cal Library of Boston. The circulation at the South Lawrence branch shows a gradual increase. Leicester. The charging system has been changed, so that the date on which the book is to be returned is stamped, instead of that on which it was taken. The result has been very satis­ factory, and the fines have diminished because of this change. The work with the schools continues to increase. Plans have been made to take children’s books which are worn out to several of the district schools, where there are few, if any, facilities for owning or obtaining books. The children are the library’s stanchest supporters, and they are reading less of Henty and Optic and more of the authors that exceed them in merit. The library has been particularly fortunate in gifts of books. Pictures of the Library Art Club and the Woman’s Education Association, and a collection of water colors, have been exhibited. In consequence of an unfortunate vote of the town at its annual meeting the library has been obliged to re­ duce its running expenses, and to cut down its hours of open­ ing from thirty-six to eighteen hours per week. Lenox. This is an association library, and is supported almost entirely by subscriptions of the summer people. It is free to the inhabitants of the town, and receives therefor the re­ ceipts of the annual dog tax. Monthly exhibitions of the pic­ tures of the Library Art Club are supported by an individual subscription. Bequests are reported of $500 by the will of Mary L. Hotchkiss, a former librarian, and of $500 by the will of the late Henry W. Taft of Pittsfield, a former trustee. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 39

Leominster. In no previous year has the library accomplished as much for the public, or accomplished it in a manner more satisfactory to all. The circulation of 1903 gave an increase of 13.42 per cent., and the report shows progress in every de­ partment. The library is being recatalogued by the card sys­ tem. The use of the cards of the Library of Congress allows this work to be done much cheaper and more rapidly than by any other means. Vacation cards are issued for the use of borrowers who are to be out of town for any length of time; four books may be taken for four weeks, the only restriction being that no new book shall be taken. The reading room has been made interesting by exhibitions of pictures loaned by the Woman’s Education Association. The popularity of the open shelves continues, with the result of an increased cir­ culation in all departments, as above stated, while co-operation with the teachers has materially increased the circulation of the school library. The usefulness of the reference room has been extended by placing upon the shelves which are reserved for the pupils books relating to subjects which are under con­ sideration in the schools. Leverett. The library is divided between the depositories at Centre or South Leverett and North Leverett, the books, about 1,100 volumes, being transferred from one to the other, as needed. Teachers’ cards with special privileges are issued. The books at the north library have been classified and cata­ logued, and placed upon open shelves. This branch has re­ cently established a station at Moore’s Corner. The centre library has a branch at Hillsborough, and until recently had one at East Leverett. Books from the Woman’s Education Association have been kept alternately at Hillsborough and Moore’s Corner, and have been well used and appreciated. Lexington. The library is steadily growing in usefulness, and was never so highly appreciated and widely enjoyed as now. While the trustees mean to gratify the desire for fiction to a reasonable extent, they endeavor to keep out of the library the merely sensational novels, and to create a taste for reading that is healthful and elevating. To this end they have adopted the plan of having all works of fiction read by competent judges before they are placed upon the shelves. In this way they hope to protect the young from debilitating and demoral­ izing books, and place before the public only that which is morally sound and helpful. The opening of the library on Sunday afternoons was tried for a few weeks, in the hope that 40 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. it might be of advantage to some; but the attendance did not warrant the increased expense, and it was abandoned. The open-shelf system has been adopted throughout the library. Heretofore this has been done only in part, in the children’s department and as a special privilege to teachers and students. The morning opening, which was experimental last year, has been permanently adopted, and has proved to be very success­ ful. Books have been sent to a vacation school, not for cir­ culation, but for reading in the room, or to be read aloud to the school by volunteer helpers. In this experiment the boys have been found to be much more interested than the girls. Lincoln. Miss Iluldah A. Howes, who had been librarian for fifteen years, resigned in September, 1903, for reasons con­ nected with her health, and was succeeded by Miss Lydia J. Chapin. Two delivery stations have been established in remote parts of the town. The report of the trustees, written by Charles Francis Adams, deals in an interesting way with the question of the scope and limitations of the libraries of small towns, and opposes the present tendency towards indiscrim­ inate accumulations. Such a library is designed and main­ tained for the inhabitants of the town in general, and not for students and investigators. Its function is that of a reading and consulting library for a small community of a few scholars and many plain people. Scarce imprints and costly editions are out of place on its shelves, for such works may be found in neighboring large libraries, and there the student will natu­ rally go. The small library should collect and preserve all printed matter in every form relating to its town, and this should be its one specialty. In brief, the report is a plea for a rigid restraint, which, while it looks in a right direction, deals with that which is a question of judgment, in which circumstances of place and means should be considered. Littleton. A weekly delivery of books is being made experimen­ tally at a point remote from the library; thus far it has proved to be very satisfactory. Sunday opening of the reading room has been discussed, but there seems to be no immediate demand for such action. Longmeadow. The year has been a prosperous one. Some books which have ceased to circulate have been exchanged, and a goodly number of new books has been purchased. Scholars and seekers of good reading are coming more freely to the 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 41

library. Besides books, several valuable engravings and a ball clock have been given. Lowell. The home circulation of 1903 showed a slight decrease, as compared with that of the preceding year, with an increase in the per cent, of fiction. In May of this year the trustees received the bequest of John Davis, a Lowell lawyer who died two years ago. The stocks and bonds are valued at about $86,000, and there is some real estate. The money will be invested for the use of the library. Ludlow. The trustees report a gratifying increase in the use of the library, the number of books loaned showing a satisfactory gain over former years. As in other libraries, the books loaned are principally fiction, although an effort is made to encourage the use of the more valuable works with which the library is well supplied. A large proportion of books is taken out by children, and it is endeavored to promote a taste for good reading among them, which, it is to be hoped, may be maintained in later life. Lynn. The use of books, both for home use and in the reference room, has largely increased since the occupancy of the new building; and “ the increasing attendance in the children’s room, which at times is filled to its full capacity, attests its growing popularity and usefulness.” The reading rooms “ attract a large and increasing number of readers, whose quiet and considerate conduct makes these rooms a resort where time may be pleasantly and profitably spent.” Books are ex­ changed monthly with the Lynn Young Men’s Christian As­ sociation, under satisfactory conditions, and reports show that “ good work has been done, with the prospect of still greater success in the future.” Efforts have been made “ to secure the practical benefits of the open-shelf system in the circulat­ ing and reference departments and in the general reading rooms for both children and adult readers,” but with what result the report does not say. In consequence of ill health, the veteran librarian, John C. Houghton, after a faithful ser­ vice of twenty-seven years, resigned May 31, 1904. Miss Harriet Louise Matthews, who had been connected with the library in all branches of its service for more than thirty years, was elected to fill the vacancy in September. The long and intimate acquaintance of Miss Matthews with the library and its constituency rendered her appointment most proper and 42 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

desirable; and her promotion was strongly urged by the women’s clubs, literary associations ,and educational and civic organizations. Lynnfield. The circulation is steadily increasing, that of 1903 showing a decided gain over other years. Printed catalogues are given free of charge. Malden. The circulation of books for home use in 1904 shows a large increase over that of the previous year, and the with­ drawal of books for library use has far exceeded that of any former year. The attendance of visitors and readers on Sun­ days has made a decided gain. Although the library has not entered upon any new line of importance, in all departments of its established library work the present has been the most prosperous year of its existence. By the will of Mrs. Mary D. . Converse, who died Dec. 16, 1903, the library has received a bequest of $15,000, which has been invested as the Mary D. Converse Art Fund, the income of which, by the terms of the will, is to be used in the purchase of works of art. The Hon. Elisha S. Converse, who was for many years a liberal benefac­ tor of the library, and, in concert with his wife, the giver of the Converse Memorial Building, died June 5, 1904. His will added to the benefactions which he had already bestowed; and the library has received an addition of $150,000 to the fund known as the Elisha S. and Mary D. Converse Endow­ ment Fund. This fund now amounts to $300,000, from which the income of $50,000 is to be applied to the purchase of works of art. The income of the remainder may be used in any direction “ within the purposes for which the Malden Public Library may legally expend money.” The art department has received, by the will of Mr. Converse, a valuable painting, “ The Philosopher,” by Adolf Gogg, and a statue, “ Benja­ min,” by Franklin Simmons of Rome. The total gifts of Mr. and Mrs. Converse amount to over $500,000. Manchester. Donations of valuable books have been received, and the work with the public schools increases in volume and interest. The venerable librarian, Delucena L. Bingham, now in his ninety-first vrear, “ is still alert and progressive in his profession, interested in new ideas and suggestions, and in cordial sympathy with his younger fellow workers.” Mansfield. The general interest in the library is increasing. A committee of ladies, by the means of concerts and a calendar sale, raised nearly $150 for the purchase of pictures and casts for the rooms. A large mounted eagle has been presented. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 43

Marblehead. There has been an evident increase in the de­ mand for the better class of books. The aim of the manage­ ment is to give to each reader the best book he is willing to read, and at the same time allow him to make his own choice. The town has been conservative in the provision it has made for the maintenance of the library, but it has never failed to make an appropriation to the full amount asked for by the trustees. The card catalogue has been renewed and made up to date, and a desirable improvement has been made by placing the catalogue case where it is accessible to the public. Marion. The year 1903 was a prosperous one for the library. The room was open, however severe the storm or cold the weather, and not a day passed without readers. The reading room is open from 3 to 9 p .m. on every week day in the year, with the exception of the three principal holidays, and resi­ dents, summer visitors and strangers are welcome. Marlborough. The new Carnegie Library Building, of which a description was given in the report of last year, was dedi­ cated Oct. 20, 1904, addresses being made by Walter B. Morse, chairman of the building committee, and Mayor P. B. S. Mildon. The cost of the land and building has been about $50,000, of which Mr. Carnegie contributed $30,000. The library now contains over 13,000 volumes. Mattapoisett. The new library building, erected by the gift of $10,000 from George Purrington, Jr., was opened, with ap­ propriate exercises, on the evening of September 5, the books having been removed from the old rooms in May. The building, which stands upon land given by Samuel D. Warren of Boston, a summer resident, is of brick with stone trim­ mings, and is heated by steam and lighted by acet}rlene gas. The heating, lighting, stacks and all furnishings were pur­ chased by gifts of money from individuals and town appropria­ tions. The library has been reclassified and catalogued by the Dewey-Cutter system. The statistics indicate that pub­ lic interest in the library has not abated, and the circulation shows a marked increase. Medford. The statistics of three years show a constant decrease in the reading of fiction by children, while the circulation of 1903 shows an increase in the fiction reading of adults. The former is attributed to the good work with the schools, while the latter is due in a great measure to the fact that the books of the Bodley Club Library have been made seven-day books, which gives a more frequent exchange. The subscription to 44 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. the Bodley Club Library seems to give universal satisfaction, and has been increased from 125 to 250 volumes per month. Melkose. The circulation of 1903 showed an increase in all departments except that of fiction, which lost over 1,000 volumes. The trustees say: “ This indicates that private circulating libraries, of which there are several in our city, have affected our circulation; and the general result is satis­ factory, as we do not aim to meet an unlimited demand for new fiction.” The branch at the Highlands has not been suc­ cessful. The open-shelf system was adopted upon the removal to the new building. The new library building was dedicated April 20, 1904, with appropriate exercises. The dedicatory address was by Mrs. Mary A. Livermore, and a poem was read by Sam Walter Foss of Somerville. Brief addresses were made by Governor Bates and others. The new building is sit­ uated on Emerson Street, and cost, exclusive of the land, $38,- 000, of which $25,000 came from Andrew Carnegie, $6,000 from a city appropriation, and the balance was contributed by citizens. The architect was Penn Varney of Lynn, and the contractor was George M. Tufts of Melrose. It is of brick, of a limestone color, with trimmings of selected Indiana lime­ stone. The delivery room occupies the centre of the building. On either side arched ornamental pilasters of classical design form the openings into the main reading room on the one side and the children’s room on the other. Both rooms are finished with fireplaces and large mirrors, and are appropri- ately furnished. A feature of the plan of open archwavs, connecting with several rooms, is the fact that every room on the first floor is visible from the librarian’s desk, thus reducing supervision to a minimum. In the rear of the delivery room are the librarian’s and catalogue rooms and other offices, and beyond is the stack room with a present capacity of 15,000 volumes, which may be increased. In the basement are the boiler, storage and toilet rooms, and a room for a prospective magazine and newspaper department. On the second floor are an art room, a reference room and a trustees’ room, all of which are tinted and decorated on an effective and pleasing scheme. Since the completion and dedication of the build­ ing bronze memorial tablets, containing the names of 204 soldiers of the civil war, have been placed in the entrance hallway. Middleborough. The circulation of 1903 showed a gain of nearly 15 per cent, over that of the preceding year, with a slight de- 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 45

crease in that of fiction. Through the kindness of a friend a small list of art books has been added to those already in the library, and will form the basis of a collection which will be placed where it may be easily accessible to those most inter­ ested. The work of rearranging and cataloguing the library preparatory to its removal has been carried through by Miss Mary P. Parr of Philadelphia and able assistants. The new library building, erected by the bequest of Thomas S. Peirce, of which a detailed description was given in the report of 1903, was formally opened April 25, 1904, with appropriate exercises. Middlefield. A noticeable feature is the increasing number of young people and children that are constant users of the library. To accommodate those persons who live remote from the library, it is open from 12 until 2 o’clock p .m. on Sundays, when books are returned and withdrawn by church-going people and others. This is worthy of consideration by libra­ rians in thinly settled communities. In club meetings atten­ tion is called to new books, and members are asked to suggest such books as may appeal to them. Thirty books at a time are sent to the railroad station for the convenience of the people in that section, exchanges being made at convenient times. Milton. The new library building, on Adams Street, was opened to the public, with appropriate exercises, June 11, 1904. A brief description of the building was given in the report of last year. The large central hall has been named Kidder Hall, in recognition of the' services of the treasurer of the trustees, Nathaniel T. Kidder, whose generous gift of $21,000 supplemented the town appropriation. The library system now includes, besides the Central Library, the East Milton, Mattapan, Russell and Milton Village Reading Rooms, which are also deposit and delivery stations; the weekly house-to- house delivery in the Blue Hill and Brush Hill districts; also, as places of deposit, the Convalescent Home, and ten schools. The librarian makes an appeal for printed local matter, in which she should be imitated by all librarians. Montekey. A progressive euchre party furnished money to paint and paper the interior of the library, and to purchase new floor covering, lamps, window shades and book cases. A small balance, with gifts of friends, will buy new books. City vis­ itors take an interest in the library and its work, and most of the cleaning was done by the town ladies, with their help. The loan of the Woman’s Education Association has been con- 46 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

tinued, and the pastor of the town loaned a library during the summer. Montgomery. The librarian says: “ The interest continues good, and the books have been in many homes, where, we trust, they have been a source of real pleasure and benefit. We wish our shelves to contain only such literature as shall tend to elevate and enrich the mind, and we would urge that those who are chosen to select books be careful to obtain only the very best that can be placed in the hands of the children and young people of our community; and we feel that they will not only interest them, but make them better for having read them. As the books have passed from home to home, the demand has been for new reading, which we hope soon to supply.” N ahant. A large proportion of the scholars and jrnung people of the town continue to rank among its most faithful readers. The circulation of 1903 was somewhat smaller than that of the previous year, which may be accounted for in part, as in many libraries whose circulation has decreased, by the various clubs and organizations in the town, rather than by any lack of interest on the part of the people. N atick. Morse Institute Library. Considering the large mem­ bership of the Tabard Inn and the numerous magazine clubs, it is encouraging to note a steady gain both in the circulating and reference departments. A return has been made to the old method of leaving cards for books desired, as after five months’ trial it was found that more people were accommo­ dated in that way than by obliging them to make several trips to the library on uncertainties. A portrait of Henry Wilson, by Darius Cobb, has been hung in the delivery room. The exhibitions of the Library Art Club are becoming a permanent feature. The reading rooms are open on Sundays from 3 to 9 p .m., excepting during the three summer months. Books which have been in the library three years may be retained six weeks during the three summer months. This vacation privilege has given much satisfaction. The books are being reclassified and recatalogued by the decimal system, in con­ nection with the Cutter author numbers. This work includes the preparation of a new card catalogue for the use of the pub­ lic and a card shelf catalogue. Needham. The business, and consequently the usefulness, of the library has increased. Exhibits of photographs, illustrative of geography and of art, have succeeded each other, a change 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 47

of pictures occurring on the average every three weeks, some­ times oftener. The trustees are impressed with the educa­ tional value of these exhibitions, which attract considerable attention. The geographical or landscape photographs appar­ ently are the favorites. It is gratifying to note the growing usefulness of the library to the pupils of the schools, especially of the high school. The number of scholars using the library has more than doubled. The credit of this is largely due to a teacher who lias given much time to making a personal acquaintance with the contents of the library. Knowing the capacity and needs of the pupils, she has been able to lay out courses of reading and guide them in the selection of books. The new Carnegie building was dedicated, with appropriate exercises, June 18, 1904. Addresses were made by George K. Clarke, chairman of the trustees, Lieutenant-Governor Curtis Guild, Jr., and Samuel L. Powers, M.C.; and a poem was written for the occasion by Mrs. J. G. A. Carter, wife of the donor of the land on which the library is placed. The build­ ing, which is situated in that part of the town known as High- landville, is of cream-colored brick, with granite base and terra-cotta trimmings, and has one story, with a high basement and metal roof. Seven steps lead from the vestibule to the delivery room, at the far end of which is the delivery desk, so placed as to command a view of all the rooms on the floor. On one side of the delivery desk is the children’s room, and on the other the general reading room; and in the rear is the book room, with adjustable steel stacks, having a capacity of about 10,000 volumes, which can be increased by a second tier of stacks. At the sides of the book room are the reference room and the librarian’s room. In the delivery room is a marble drinking fountain, the gift of Joseph B. Thorpe, of the selectmen. The main floors are of hard wood and the finish is of ash, the walls being of a dull green, with ceiling and coving of cream color. The furniture is of quartered oak of special designs. In the basement, which has granolithic floors, are two rooms, now unfinished, which are designed for use, eventually, as historical and newspaper rooms, a work room, boiler room, storeroom, lavatories and toilet rooms. Electric lighting and steam heating are furnished, and a spe­ cial water service on each floor gives protection against fire. New Bedford. The two-book system has been adopted. This has proved to be a wise action, and the cardholders appreciate the 48 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. privilege which it offers. An incidental result is shown in a decreased circulation of fiction. An increased use of the ref­ erence room is noted. Usually in the afternoon and evening the room is more than comfortably filled, and the work is constantly being estended. Some special facilities have been extended to the schools in reference work and with reserve shelves, and the relation of the library and the school is made stronger. A marble bust of the late librarian, Robert C. Ingraham, the gift of his friends and admirers, executed by Walton Ricketson, has been placed in the library. By the will of Mrs. Sarah E. Potter of Boston, a native of Hew Bed­ ford, who died in September, the city of New Bedford will receive the sum of $250,000, to be held by the city, and to be known as “ The Kempton Trust, the gift of Sarah E. Potter.” The income of this fund is to be used for the purchase of books, pictures and other articles for the library. R ewburyport. The library is still increasing in efficiency and usefulness. The ever-growing patronage and many additions of books from year to year show that its value cannot be over­ estimated. Though the fiction list is large, as elsewhere, it is the best fiction, and means in many cases a step toward more solid reading. The benefits coming from an extended list of books and efficient methods of distribution have been constantly in mind, and the large increase in the number of borrowing cards, nearly 25 per cent., over the previous year, proves the value of the steps taken. The reading room is supplied with daily papers, fully covering the great news centres, and with weekly papers from twenty States, embracing every section of the country in thought and interest. These, with those from England, Scotland, Prance and Canada, are equal to almost any demand, whether from residents or stran­ gers. All the trades, arts and professions connected with the city, so far as there have ever been calls for such, are repre­ sented bjr their own technical publications, and a generous supply of magazines is furnished. R ew Marlborough. Books have been recently received from the State Commission, and the town has this year made an appro­ priation of $50 for the use of the library. There are five vil­ lages, to each of which a case of books is sent; when read, the books are exchanged from one village to another. The library is trying to aid those who have few if any books to read, and to lead the school children to a desire for books. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 49

Newton. A decrease in circulation, which has continued for sev­ eral years, may be attributed to the considerable patronage of private book-lending enterprises. If this is the efficient cause, there is the satisfaction of knowing that it does not act upon those to whom the public library is the greatest boon. Books thrown out for the relief of crowded shelves might be use­ ful elsewhere, and the question of sending them where they will do the most good is considered. They cannot be sold to advantage, but undoubtedly they would be welcome in com­ munities where books are scarce and free libraries are un­ known. This question might well be considered by other large libraries. A children’s room, which was opened in the spring, was much needed, and is proving to be very popular. There are now four branch libraries, with deposits of books for cir­ culation and permanent collections of reference books. The Sunday opening of the reading rooms at the central library and the branches has been tried as an experiment, with such results as give encouragement for the continuance of the prac­ tice. Besides the branches, there are seven delivery stations to which daily deliveries are made. North Adams. Children are coming to the library in increasing numbers. To satisfy them, the best books, suitable to their needs, must be largely duplicated. Children do not demand the “ newest,” as do many of their elders. Commenting upon the circulation of fiction, the librarian says: “ It is curious that, while librarians are energetically bewailing the high per cent, of fiction read, philanthropists are urging the need in these strenuous times of more forms of recreation.” Summer visitors and residents of neighboring towns are allowed the use of the library upon the payment of a small fee. Branches are now established at Blackinton, Brajdonville, Houghton- ville and East Mountain. Northampton. Forbes Library. Mrs. Charles A. Cutter, the widow of the late librarian, has established a fund of $5,000, the income of which is to be applied to the payment of the librarian’s salary. A condition of the gift is that an amount equal to the income of the fund shall be added to the yearly salary appropriation by the city council, the result being an increase of the salary from $1,800 to $2,500. “ Mrs. Cutter’s gift, in memory of her husband, was made with the desire of securing a better administration than the small salary pre­ viously paid would have permitted, and thus carrying on the 50 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

work of Mr. Cutter, whose service in the Forbes Library was in such large measure a labor of love, uninfluenced by consider­ ations of salary.” William Parker Cutter, chief of the order department of the Library of Congress, was elected librarian April 16. Mr. Cutter is a nephew of the late librarian, and his appointment was in part made possible by the gift of Mrs. Cutter. Northampton Public Library. This library arranged a course of vacation reading for children by setting aside eighty titles, any eight of which, not previously read, could be taken out during the months of July and August. No one child was allowed to read more than eight books. The children who entered the course were registered, and credited with the books as they were read. The vacation-reading scheme for children has been tried in some libraries with considerable success, but never before in Northampton. Excellent judgment was shown by the library staff in the selection of the books, and the children of the city were offered a very good opportunity to improve their spare summer hours. The children were pre­ sented with certificates on the completion of their courses. The experiment was very successful. N orth Andover. The town has voted not to accept an offer of $12,000 for a library building,' made by Andrew Carnegie, as Moses T. Stevens has offered to erect a memorial building, to cost not less than $20,000, and to provide the site as well as the building. A condition is that the town shall annually appropriate $1,200 for its support. N orth Brookfield. An improvement has been noted in the qual­ ity of books used. The circulation of fiction is below the average of similar libraries, and the demand for a better class of books increases. A gift of $200 from the Hon. T. C. Bates and lesser gifts from the Grange Auxiliary and the Haston Club are reported. The librarian, Miss Margaret Leach, resigned in April, and has been succeeded by Miss Nellie L. Smith. Northfield. Free access to the shelves, a reading room and ref­ erence books, and larger appropriations, which allow larger purchases of books, are given as causes of large gains in cir­ culation and an increased interest in the library. Books of reference are consulted by a larger number of people, and the library is serving a more useful purpose in every respect. The librarian’s readiness to adopt new devices and improved methods, with good results, is recognized by the trustees. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 51

Norwood. A finding list of fiction was issued in 1902, with the intention of giving lists in other departments, if it proved to be a success. The demand for the list has been so light that the trustees do not feel warranted in issuing other lists, at least for the present. Oakham. Mrs. Caroline Maynard, by her will, left to the library a legacy of $50. Orange. There has been a decided advance in reference work, the facilities for which are appreciated by a growing con­ stituency. Every year proves more conclusively that the li­ brary is one of the best formative agencies of our village intellectual life, giving its strong supplemental force to our splendid school system. Otis. This library is supported by the dog tax. Teachers are allowed books to be kept at the school during the school months. Books are placed in outlying sections where suitable persons may be found to take care of them. Oxford. The library has received a legacy of $700 by the will of Miss Mattie E. Sawtelle of Springfield, the income of which is to be applied to general purposes. A gift of $1,000 from Bichard Olney is to be held as the Wilson Olney Library Fund, in memory of the donor’s father, and the income is to be used in the purchase of books. The Charles Larned Me­ morial Building, of which a description was given in the report of last year, was dedicated Oct. 5, 1904. The principal address was by President Carroll D. Wright of Clark Univer­ sity, who gave a general survey of the history of libraries, and a suggestion as to the best way of maintaining a public library. Other addresses were by Edmund M. Barton of the American Antiquarian Society, who gave a brief sketch of his father, Ira M. Barton, the founder of the Oxford Library, Samuel S. Green of the Worcester Free Public Library, David I. Bobin- son of Gloucester, and others. Peabody. Peabody Institute Library. While there have been no questions of moment to settle, there has been no abatement in the efforts to make the library what its founder intended it to be, and to bring its benefits within the reach of all. The accessions to the library have been made with care and dis­ crimination. The fact that it was for the public has always been in mind when a book has been under consideration. It must be clean and wholesome, and good literature. That there are many books of a trivial and ephemeral nature in every public library is without question. This is due mainly 52 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. to a disposition to give a large class of readers just what they want, and to the unwillingness of librarians and com­ mittees to exercise a vigorous censorship in making their selec­ tions. The circulation of 1903 was less than that of the preceding year, the loss being, as in many other libraries, in the line of fiction. The book clubs and the absorption of the younger element in societies and social clubs may be the possi­ ble cause of the greater part of this loss. On the other hand, the student class who go to the library for serious reading and consultation has shown a steady growth. The men who fill important positions, the superintendents and ambitious young workmen desiring to add to their technical knowledge, have become regular patrons of the library; to these every encour­ agement is given. Printed catalogue cards for practically all new books, and for old books as fast as they can be furnished, are procured from the Library of Congress at a decided sav­ ing of time and money, to say nothing of the gain in legibility and fullness of entry over the best work that can be done in typewriting the cards. P embroke. Exchanges of books have been made between the Pembroke Free Library and the Cobb Memorial Library at Bryantville, thus affording an opportunity for fresh reading, which has been greatly appreciated. A similar instance is elsewhere noted, and it might be copied by other small libra­ ries whose books have been well read. It presènts a means of freshening the reading of a community, which could not be otherwise than advantageous. P eppekell. A loss in the circulation of 1903 was caused by many families leaving the town. The library has received as gifts a painting of the San Juan Mission, near Los Angeles, Cal., and a stereoscope with views of Palestine. Exhibitions of pictures loaned by the Woman’s Education Association have been given. In May a legacy of $10,000 was received by the will of Mrs. Thirza Blood, a sister of Charles F. Lawrence, the donor of the library building. P etersham. A valuable case for the preservation of a growing collection of birds has been given by Miss M. S. Walker of Waltham. The library has proved an increasingly beneficent acquisition for the people of the town. Half-yearly lists of accessions are printed for distribution. P ittsfield. Berkshire Athenæum and Museum. In making purchases, books have been carefully selected not only on the 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 53

grounds of their individual merit and the recommendations of readers, but also with a view to preserving a due proportion among the several classes. An important work has been com­ pleted in connection with the file of the Pittsfield “ Sun.” Every one of the 100 volumes has been collated, page by page. Every torn page has been mended, and wherever possible each missing article has been supplied from a duplicate copy. The circulation for the year ending June 30, 1904, was less than that for the preceding year, the decrease being largely in the school use. The circulation of the Pontoosuc branch showed a loss of about 10 per cent. The report says : “ The Bodley Library books continue to give satisfaction and it would be difficult now for us to get along without them, as they supply so well the great demand for new books, particularly new fiction.” A preference is shown for the more scholarly refer­ ence books, as compared with those of a simply popular char­ acter; and the work which is being done is not only of a wider range, but also on a higher plane. Several hand stereoscopes and several hundred classified views have been purchased. These are in constant use in the reference room, and are cir­ culated for home use. In place of the record blanks formerly used in the books, small blotters are now used. They are clipped upon the first fly-leaf of each volume, except fiction, and when the book is taken for home use the date is stamped upon the blotter. When the volume is consulted in the library the date is stamped in a different color. The advantage of the blotter over the slips of writing paper commonly used is its greater neatness; the book itself remains unstained. An ex­ periment is being made by granting each assistant (there are eight) the privilege of selecting 10 books, not to exceed $10 each in cost, with the assurance that they will be bought for the library. This plan has proved eminently successful, and will be continued, perhaps extended. A rare and beautiful cloisonné bowl of antique Chinese workmanship has been re­ ceived as a gift to the museum. This library receives a be­ quest of $1,000 from the estate of the late Henry W. Taft of Pittsfield. Plymouth. The new building has proved to be most satisfactory, central in location, easy of access, with book stacks well lighted and within easy reach of the librarian, and with a reading room with excellent light and ventilation, comfortable chairs, and an atmosphere of rest and quiet which has attracted a 54 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. steadily increasing number of citizens and summer visitors. The endeavor has been to provide the most useful reference books. About 1,500 volumes have been bequeathed by the late Mrs. Lucy J. Parker. Miss Mary G. Bartlett and other friends have added to the collection of photographs, which now numbers about 5,000, all mounted, catalogued and systemati­ cally arranged. The library continues to receive books from the local club mentioned in the report of last year. The do­ nors of the building have given portraits of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Goodwin Russell. Books from the Bodley Club Library are taken, mostly fiction, which have had a large circulation. P rescott. The wisdom of establishing branches of the library has been demonstrated by the patronage which they have re­ ceived. Both branches combined have loaned more books than the main library, and this, too, in spite of the fact of a comparatively small number of books to choose from. Quincy. A gift of land, valued at $18,000, has been received from Albert Crane. The Bodley Club Library has been intro­ duced. Definite results are not given in the report of the trustees. One most desirable feature, as far as the library is concerned, is that, while a larger number of books is being supplied to readers for the same expenditure of money, the shelves are not being crowded with books of passing interest; thus, if less money is being spent for fiction, more may be spent upon the other and more permanent forms of literature. Exhibitions of the pictures of the Library Art Club are given. The circulation of 1903 showed the low rate of 58.4 per cent, in fiction. Randolph. The income of the funds of the library is sufficient to meet current expenses, and no town appropriation was needed for 1904. The circulation of 1903 was slightly less than that of 1902, attributed chiefly to the constant employ­ ment afforded the laboring classes during the year. The libra­ rian says: “ It is gratifying to report a large circulation, and as a general rule it is indicative of a desire on the part of the people of the town to improve themselves; and yet we know full well that the efficiency of library work cannot properly be measured by its circulation of books. The borrower who comes every evening for a new and thrilling story is by no means the one who is receiving the greater benefit from the library. Indeed, those who read much less in pages but more 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 55

in pith, those who read less for simple pleasure and more for actual improvement, are the patrons whose course of reading and study can best justify the generous expenditures which are annually made.” Reading. Miss Lizzie S. Cox, who had been librarian since June, 1876, resigned Aug. 1, 1903, and the vacancy was filled by the election of Miss Bertha Brown. A legacy of $200 from the estate of the late Miss Climena Wakefield is reported. Miss Wakefield was a sincere friend of the library, and before her death had enriched it by generous gifts of books. The plan of placing new accessions upon open shelves has evidently been appreciated, and has resulted in promoting the circula­ tion, which shows a considerable increase. 'The library is now open every week day except Friday, either in the after­ noon or evening. Revere. The trustees report: “ The new library was opened to the public Dec. 1, 1903, and since that date has been opened every week day from 2 to 9 p .m., holidays excepted. We note with pleasure the steady increase in the number of patrons who take books, and also those that use the reading and refer­ ence rooms, the children’s room especially being used about every day to its full capacity. We have added to this room picture books for smaller children who are too young to read the magazines.” Measures are taken to collect and exhibit articles of historic interest, local and national. Richmond. The use of the library has increased. Care has been taken to select such books as would give the best satisfaction to those who wish wholesome entertainment or useful instruc­ tion, or both; but these have been supplied at frequent inter­ vals, though necessarily in small quantities, that the public interest might be aroused and retained in literary matters. The circulation of 1903 shows a gain of 30 per cent. Rochester. Over 250 volumes of desirable books were presented by the late Mrs. E. G. Leonard. Rockland. The new Carnegie library building will be ready for occupancy in the spring. It is of red brick, with light terra­ cotta trimmings; is of one story, with a high basement, and is classic in style. The main building, which is surmounted by a dome rising 45 feet above the floor, is 65 by 40 feet, with a stack room 31 by 18 feet in the rear. A vestibule, with marble dado and mosaic floor, gives entrance to the rotunda or delivery room. This circular room has a mosaic floor, 56 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

while the dado and the eight columns which support the dome are of scagliola. Here are four niches, in which will be placed statues or memorials, or tablets with the names of the soldiers of the civil war. On either side of the rotunda are reading rooms, and back of them a librarian’s room and a reference room. All these rooms are finished in quartered oak. The stack room will eventually have three decks. Rockport. The corner-stone of the new Carnegie library build­ ing was laid Dec. 3, 1904, with simple and appropriate cere­ mony. This building, classic in design, is to be a simple and dignified structure, with a quiet elegance of its own which will harmonize with the adjoining buildings. It is finely situated in the centre of the town, very near Main Street and overlooking the harbor. It is to be built of Rockport granite, having a white granite basement, and trimmings, with other parts of the walls, of the rich colored Rockport seam-faced stone. The architects are McLean & Wright of Boston. The building in its plan is exceedingly well arranged for library purposes, having a central delivery room that is circular in outline, with a domed ceiling which is supported by eight stone columns, and a marble and mosaic floor. To the right of the delivery room is a large' reading room, which has a large bay window, facing the sea, a fireplace, and cases for interest­ ing historical articles which are already gathered for that purpose. In the rear is the children’s room, a librarian’s room, and a stack room with a capacity of about 30,000 vol­ umes. The building is so arranged that every part may be seen and supervised from the librarian’s desk. It is expected to be ready for occupancy early in the summer. Rowley. A room with a shelving capacity of about 8,000 volumes is being finished on the first floor of the new town hall, and will be occupied early in the new year. Russell. Much interest has been manifested, and there is an increasing patronage. Some necessary furniture has been added to the library room, which makes it more homelike and cheerful. A travelling library has been loaned by the Woman’s Education Association. Branch libraries are maintained at Fairfield, a mill village in the south part of the town, and at Russell Mountain. Salem. The home circulation of 1903 shows a loss from that of the previous year, but this decrease was entirely in the class of fiction, the total use of non-fiction showing a slight increase. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 57 This decrease in circulation appears to be general, and the most plausible reason given is the general business prosperity, which allows less time for reading than during periods of commercial depression. “ The high cost of books has led to more conservatism in buying. We have imported from Eng­ land certain of the older fiction for which there is a permanent demand. For libraries these books are bound directly from the sheets, in a strong leather binding. Special attention is given to the sewing, and, while the first cost is somewhat more than for copies bought in this country in cloth binding, yet the greater strength of the binding gives the book so much longer a life that it is a real economy in the end.” Salisbury. The librarj^ has been classified and recatalogued, which necessitated the calling in of the books and the closing to the public for several weeks. Miss Hannah B. Coffin re­ signed as librarian in December, 1903, and has been succeeded by Miss Alice B. Currier. Saugus. The library is in a flourishing condition as far as usage is concerned, and the statistics of 1903 give evidence of its increasing popularity and usefulness. The home circulation increased 6 per cent, over that of 1902, and the use of fiction decreased from 78 per cent, to 71 per cent. Of the Browne system of charging the librarian says : “ I am positive that we have reached the minimum of time and labor in the de­ livery and reception of books.” A special personal interest in the child and his reading is helpful. If he neglects the offered book for one of the lower grade, try to be cheerful about it, and hope that after a time he will choose better. Never drive him away, but take a sympathetic interest in him and his book. There seems to be a Castlemon and Alger stage, and if it does not come early it comes late. Some men over thirty years of age are just reading those authors, and they seem as pleased with them as the youngest boys. Seekonk. The circulation shows a gain of 35 per cent., attrib­ uted for the most part to certain time regulations which have been enforced. Two ladies of Providence have given books, and the Seekonk Library Society, composed of ladies, has given its entire collection of books, nearly 700 volumes, with book case. Sharoh. The trustees have endeavored, with much success, to keep abreast of the times, and radical changes have been made in the administration of the library. Kecognizing the un- 58 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. satisfactory and impracticable condition of the old catalogues, which could never be kept complete without great expense, it was decided to make a change to the methods in use by mod­ ern libraries. The library was closed for over two months, and the card catalogue system installed. Other changes have been the adoption of the system of open shelves and the two- card system. These have resulted in the taking of more vol­ umes of solid and instructive works, and must in time have a decided influence upon the character of the general reading. Sheffield. Mrs. Katharine Hinman Hamlin of New York be­ queathed to the library all her books, in memory of the birth in this town of her mother, Lydia Ashley Hinman. There were received about 300 volumes, from which probably 200 volumes, consisting of history and fiction, were selected and placed upon the shelves. Shelburne Falls. Arms Public Library. The number of cards which each teacher in the public schools may have has been increased from three to six; and the number of cards allowed to a single family is now three, instead of two, as formerly. Access to the shelves is given on application, so far as it can be done without too much interference with the work of the librarian. Shirley. A catalogue case and cards have been presented, and a card catalogue is being prepared. , Shrewsbury. Teachers’ cards are issued, allowing special privi­ leges to the schools in the use of the library. A travelling library with photographs has been loaned by the Woman’s Education Association; and a gift of 161 volumes and a portrait of the late Dr. Franklin W. Brigham, through whose efforts the site of the present building was secured, has been received from Mrs. Mary Holland Lee. The Browne charg­ ing system has been adopted. Somerville. There was an increase in the circulation and a gratifying decrease in the per cent, of fiction shown in the statistics for 1903. The Sunday-school service has been con­ tinued without any serious trouble on the part of the library, and to the general satisfaction of the schools. Seven churches were using these libraries at the beginning of the present year. The churches send representatives, who are given a free range through the library and select the books which appear to be desirable. The librarian says: “ If they select books for which the library feels an urgent pressing need, we 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 14. 59 permit them even then to retain their selections, and immedi­ ately purchase new copies of the books in question. If the library has such pressing need of a book that it cannot spare a copy for a Sunday-school, it is time to buy additional copies of that book.” In accordance with a deliberate purpose, the library has purchased more duplicates than new books. Out­ side of the department of fiction, a library should have a suffi­ cient number of all the standard works to supply all legitimate demands. “ It should be the first aim of a library to get its books ‘ out,’ and a second and equal aim to have other books ‘ in ’ to supply their places. To this end a systematic effort has been made to purchase, as rapidly as the funds at our disposal will permit, an adequate number of duplicate copies of such works. This is an end that can be substantially ac­ complished in a period of three or four years, if a graduated increase of appropriation commensurate with our growing needs is secured.” The public schools have made more than the usual demands upon the resources of the library; 163 schoolrooms are now supplied. Southampton. The new Edwards Memorial Building was form­ ally dedicated Dec. 2, 1904. Winslow H. Edwards of East- hampton, in presenting the building to the town, spoke of it “ as the -wish and gift of his late father, Rev. H. L. Ed­ wards, saying, in part: ‘ I desire that you should look on me not as the giver of this building, but simply as the agent of him to whom rightfully belongs the credit for the gift. Eor many years my father tried to enlist others in the project of giving a library building to Southampton. In looking over many of the papers left by him, I learned that he had been writing, during the later years of his life, to people who he thought might be interested in this town, and who might be walling to give of their substance to a library building. But the thought and labor expended by him came to naught, and so he finally decided to provide himself for what would be a simple and yet an appropriate building. Therefore, I feel that your appreciation should be shown especially for the thought given by my father, during the last decade of his life, to this project, which thought resulted in the library which is yours to-day.’ ” The new building is situated on the east side of Main Street, and is built of red brick, with light stone trimmings. The entrance portico reaches to the roof, and is supported on Corinthian pillars. The vestibule 60 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

leads directly into the main room of the building, which is 'in the form of a cross. Opposite the entrance is the libra­ rian’s desk, with ample room for administration. Behind the desk are stacks for the books most in use, and in the north arm of the cross is a stack for reference books. A peri­ odical table is in the south alcove. The building is well lighted on all sides, and is heated from a furnace in the basement. Southbridge. There has been a steady increase in the circula­ tion for several years, that of 1903 being more than one-third larger than that of 1899. There has been a decrease in the circulation of fiction and an increase in the circulation of children’s and French books. Since the books for boys and girls have been separated into fiction and non-fiction, there has been a cpnstant increase in the circulation of children’s books of an educational character. As the French population has increased, the circulation of French hooks has naturally increased. The statistics of 1903 show the low rate of 59.09 per cent, for the circulation of fiction and children’s fiction. The 480 volumes of French books in the library furnished a circulation of 2,808 volumes. A new fiction catalogue has been printed, and a new registration of card holders is being made. South H adley. At the central library a marked improvement in the standard of reading has been noted. As the library is in close touch with the schools, the teachers have taken care to recommend books to their scholars, who have followed their suggestions with avidity and advantage. The worst that the stormy weather has done could not keep the children from the library when it was open. At the branch at South Had­ ley Falls the library has been moved to another room; and modern book stacks, of a capacity to accommodate a goodly increase of the present number of books, have been installed. The books have been arranged and a card catalogue made. The Gaylord Memorial Library Building, which was described in the report of last year, was dedicated on the afternoon of May 18. The presentation address was made by Arthur S. Gay­ lord, a grand-nephew of the donor, William H. Gaylord. A poem was read by Andrew T. Judd, and addresses given by Rev. A. B. Patten and Miss Mary E. Woolley, president of Mount Holyoke College. The building is in the charge of a board of seven life trustees, who propose to care for and 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4 1. (11

maintain the building and grounds, to light and heat and furnish a janitor for the entire building, to retain control of two smaller rooms intended as repositories for works of art, antiquities and historical relics, and to give to the trustees of the Free Public Library the free use and control of the room prepared for the library. The latter board will only be at the expense of providing and caring for the books of the library and for their delivery to the public. Spencer. The home circulation of 1903 was somewhat less than that of the preceding year, owing, perhaps, to a free use of the Tabard Inn Library by the fiction-reading public. As a reference library a much larger work has been done than ever before, and much use has been made of the reading room. Springfield. During the past year generous friends contributed $4,600 towards reducing the debt of the City Library Associa­ tion. The late Albert D. Nason left a will under which the library will ultimately receive $5,000, the income of which is to be used for the purchase of books of permanent value in history, science and the useful arts. A new department has happily been endowed by the gift of $1,000 from the estate of the late Mary E. Searle, the income of which is to be used for the enrichment of the library in specimens of the wood- engraver’s art, either books or proofs. The heirs of the late Henry S. Lee, through the executors, have given his mag­ nificent collection of ancient and modern coins. Several oil portraits, many books and some manuscripts have been given, and a good deal of material for the science museum. Notable among the latter is a collection of soapstone pottery, with the trap implements used to work it, taken from the old Indian quarry at Wilbraham, and presented by Nathan D. Bill. A collection of musical scores has been purchased to serve as the nucleus of a music library. As a means of temporary relief from the crowding of the present building, the entire basement has been finished for use, and a separate entrance provided. One of the rooms so obtained will he used for the periodical reading room and another as a children’s room. A fire, which threatened the destruction of the library, oc­ curred on the afternoon of April 6. Fortunately, it was con­ fined to a portion of the roof, but it caused a serious damage by water to the books, principally to those of the David A. Wells economic library and the collection of government docu­ ments. This library aims to pursue a fairly conservative 62 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

policy in relation to children’s reading. It is a question how much good is done by the profuse supply of harmless but mediocre books. It is said in their favor that they often form the reading habit in children who might not be attracted if restricted to the classics. On the other hand, their effect may be mentally debilitating. This is true not only of story books, but applies equally to the so-called instructive books of a milk- and-water character. Newly published children’s books have been purchased verjr sparingly (only 34 titles of current juve­ nile fiction in the year), but an effort is made to increase interest in children’s classics, and especial pains taken to lead older children from juvenile to adult literature. One hundred and ninety-five distributing agencies are maintained in the city. The annual report, made in May, is filled with sug­ gestive information. Stockbridge. A subscription to the Bodley Club Library gives the library 1,200 new books annually for $75, which, the secretary says, “ has added materially to the efficiency of the library, and given a wider selection of good books than would otherwise have been possible with our limited means.” It is the wish of the trustees to co-operate with the schools as far as possible, and a closer union is proposed. The library is now open from 11 to 6 o’clock P.M., and in the evening of every day except Sundays and holidays. This is quite a liberal addition to the former hours of opening. A bequest of $500 has been received from the late Henry Dwight Sedg­ wick, who was president of the library for many years. Stoneham. The new Carnegie library building was opened for the delivery of books June 27, 1904. Mr. Carnegie’s gift of $15,000 was supplemented by town appropriations of $2,500 for land and $4,500 in addition to the building fund. The building contains a stack room for about 20,000 volumes, a commodious delivery room, a reading room for adults and one for children, with additional rooms in the basement. The floors are fireproofed, and a steel curtain closes the entrance to the stack room. The library is open daily, except on Sun­ days and holidays. Stoughton. The new library building was dedicated June 30. A public reception in the library was followed by appropriate exercises in the town hall. The building is the gift of Lucius Clapp of Randolph, a former resident of Stoughton, who has always had the best interests of the town at heart, as his 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 63 numerous gifts to the library, schools and other institutions are witnesses. The lot was furnished by the town, and the building cost $25,000, complete with furniture and fittings. The library is of colonial design, and is constructed of brick and limestone, with the interior finish of oak. The delivery hall is in the centre, with the book stacks in the rear. On one side of the hall is the general reading room, with special facil­ ities for the shelving and use of reference books. On the other side are the children’s room and the librarian’s room. The principal book stacks are on the main floor, and are arranged for a second tier when needed. The basement is furnished with stacks for books which are not in frequent use. The total capacity is about 30,000 volumes. In the vestibule is a bronze tablet in recognition of the gift, and another as a memorial of the late Henry L. Pierce, who was a liberal benefactor of the library. In the basement is a small hall, which is designed for the use of the Stoughton Historical Society, and may be used for small gatherings. Stow. The library has come to be recognized as an important factor in the intellectual life of the town. A portrait of Mr. Henry Gates, a trustee since the library was opened, has been received. Sundekland. The librarian says: “ We have patrons from no fewer than nine nationalities, and never in any previous year has the number of loans reached that of the closing year. Moreover, we are confident that in the quality of our work we are keeping pace with quantity. We have been gratified with the use which has been made of the library for reference work, especially by the schools and notably by the high school; and we view with satisfaction the increased co-operation with the public schools, which should be one of the foremost objects in the work of every public library.” A number of Polish books have been added to the library, which have been appre­ ciated by those of that nationality who wish to read. Swansea. The tun-book system, which was adopted last year, is rapidly growing in favor. The current magazines have been put in circulation. A portrait of Dr. James L. Wellington has been presented by Miss Mary A. Case, one of the trustees. Taunton. The circulation of books for home use in 1903 was less than it had been for several years. This reduction was due in the main to the non-purchase of current books during a few months, occasioned by the use of the usual book fund to mqet 64 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. extraordinary expenses in the work of reclassification and cat­ aloguing. The new Carnegie building, a brief description of which was given in the report of last year, was opened with simple dedicatory exercises on the evening of Nov. 30, 1904. T ewksbury. The librarian, Miss Louie M. Blaisdell, and the as­ sistant, Miss Lucy Tingley, resigned in 1903, and the trustees, in their report, “ tender the unanimous endorsement of the board for their faithful and painstaking efforts to make the library an instrument of great good in this community.” Mrs. Bernice Folsom was chosen librarian, and in turn was suc­ ceeded by Miss Harriette G. Lee July 1, 1904. The circula­ tion of fiction is somewhat smaller, while that of the other classes has increased. The teachers of the high and grammar schools have availed themselves of the privilege of taking books for the use of their pupils, and the younger people of the town are becoming more interested in the library. Old magazines are sent to the several hospitals and homes, where they are much appreciated. T isbury. The directors have been authorized to purchase suit­ able premises for library purposes. The feeling generally prevails that it is not desirable to incur indebtedness, but rather to collect adequate funds for the enterprise previous to an unqualified purchase. T o p s f ie l d . For several years the per cent, of fiction circulation has been decreasing. The schools have used the library more freely, and a larger number of books than usual have been added by purchase. The interest in the reading room has been maintained. T ownsend. In 1903 the librarian, Mrs. Evelyn L. Warren, was given a leave of absence for one year, and Miss Annie S. Begg was chosen substitute librarian. Each year sees an increased use of the library, not only for recreation but for study and reference. A valuable collection of religious histories and books of reference has been received from Rev. Samuel S. Spear of Wareham. Loans of pictures have been made by the Woman’s Education Association. The librarian notes the interest of the school children in the use of books in rela­ tion to their studies. The members of the grange, in pursu­ ance of their work, have consulted the library with much satisfaction. The library is being classified and recatalogued by the Dewey system. T yngsborough. The library is cramped in space, and its room is poorly lighted and very damp; but a proper library building 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 4 1. (55

is in prospect from a legacy of $5,000 left by an old resident of the town, which with, perhaps, some help from the town will be adequate. Tyringham. A library building in process of erection has not progressed as was hoped and expected. A renewed effort is being made to secure funds for its completion. The trustees were obliged to move the library from the pleasant room in the centre of the village to a more remote place, consequently the library has not been used as freely as it otherwise would have been by the citizens and children. Upton. Valuable gifts of books have been received from a local business man and from the heirs of two prominent townsmen. The library is being classified by the Dewey system, and a card catalogue is being prepared. Uxbridge. The circulation of 1903 gained about 22 per cent, oveb that of 1902, and the per cent, of fiction decreased. The visits of the librarian to the schools and the removal of the age limit have brought many new readers to the library. Teachers of distant schools take books to their pupils and allow them to be used for home reading; in this way many have been reached who were too far away to go to the library themselves. A collection of pictures of miscellaneous subjects is being made. These are used for picture bulletins in the library, and for loans to the schools and clubs as illustrations of work that is being done. French fiction has been added to the library, to meet the demands of residents who do not read English. In many cases children who come to the li­ brary for juvenile English books borrow French books on their own cards for their parents. This avoids red-tape work, and makes the foreign people feel that the library is easy to approach. Work has been done on a subject catalogue, in which important chapters of books are noted, special lists referred to, and cards have been written for all matters deal­ ing in any way with Uxbridge history. In the purchase of books some of the methods recommended by the committee of the American Library Association have been tried, and the results, so far, show that a limited book fund may be made in this way more adequate to growing needs. Wakefield. A steady increase in the circulation is reported for the last five years. The waiting list system, as regards new books, gives general satisfaction, some 500 postal cards having been used during the year. This system prevents in a great 66 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. measure the feeling that each one’s turn is a long time coming for the new hook, and does away with the idea that favoritism is shown. The newspapers and magazines are in continual use, and during the colder months space at the tables is in almost constant demand during the busiest hours. Walpole. The librarian, Miss Margaret Tyacke, resigned Sept. 1, 1903, and Miss Ida J. Phelps was elected to fill the va­ cancy. The beautiful location and the spacious and well- lighted rooms of the new library building win the admiration of all visitors. Every effort is made to make the library use­ ful to students, and the fullest co-operation exists between it and the public schools. Among the features which promote its efficiency are open stacks; a separate room for children, which is very much used; the two-card system; and the Sun­ day opening of the reading room, with hours practically the same as on week da}Ts. The reading room is furnished with 50 of the best periodicals in art, science, sociology and general literature. Books are sent each week to East Walpole and South Walpole, through the kindness of public-spirited citi­ zens, who transport them free of charge. The Bodley Club service has been increased to 100 volumes, thus supplying the demand for fiction to such an extent that only that of the highest character need be purchased, and that only after its desirability has been tested by use. Three hundred foreign photographs have been added, making nearly 800 in the pres­ ent collection. Waltham. The record of 1903 shows a loss in circulation, with 85.5 as the per cent, of fiction used. The placing of new and popular books on open shelves has worked so well that addi­ tional shelves have been provided. To carry out still further the facility for the examination of books on all the shelves of the library, patrons in limited numbers, under proper regu­ lations, have been allowed to visit the alcoves. The placing of books in the children’s department has given favorable re­ sults. These books have been largely taken, and on some days the supply has been quite exhausted. Warren:. A contract has been made with the Bodley Club Li­ brary, by which 50 books are furnished, and about two-thirds of them exchanged once in six weeks. The experience of a year has shown that these books are in almost constant use. The wants of fiction readers having been thus well supplied, 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. (57

it lias been possible to give more attention to the purchase of reference books and standard works in other departments. Warwick. The teachers have drawn freely on the library for books for reference and supplementary reading in the school­ room. As much attention is being given to nature study, the demand among the children for books on birds and flowers has been active, and a number of such books have been furnished. .V travelling library on birds, loaned by the Massa­ chusetts Audubon Society, was much appreciated. Photo­ graphs loaned by the Woman’s Education Association have been exhibited. Watertown. The enlargement and improvement of the building having been completed, work has been done to increase and perfect the catalogues, the want of which has somewhat im­ peded the work with the schools and stations. A second edition of the fiction list has been issued, and a list of biog­ raphy, history and travel is nearly or quite completed. Two complete card catalogues are used, one for the public and the other for office use and verification. Delivery stations have been established at East Watertown, Bemis and the Hosmer school, and books are sent to other schools when they are asked for. There is no age limit for borrowers, and two books may be taken upon a card, but only one shall be of the fiction class. Webster. The circulation has increased, especially in the chil­ dren’s department, and there has been a larger attendance in the reading room. The opening of the non-fiction shelves to the public has apparently increased the circulation in that line of reading. 11 elleslet. By the construction of a second floor of iron and glass in the north alcove, space has been secured for the shelv- * ing of about 5,000 volumes. Wendell. Miss Julia Havana resigned as librarian in March, and was succeeded by Mrs. Mary E. White. The library is open to the pupils of the schools, and books are purchased with direct reference to the needs of the children. Two bird charts have been procured for use in the schools, and they have been used and much appreciated by the pupils. Books of reference are loaned to the schools whenever asked for, and encyclopaedias may be retained for indefinite periods. Books and photographs have been loaned to the library by the Woman’s Education Association. The branch library at Far- 68 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

ley has received a donation of books through the care of Miss Alice G. Chandler of Lancaster. Westfield. Special reading lists for current topics and women’s clubs are being furnished. The circulation is about 7,000 volumes more than in 1903. Westfokd. Mr. E. M. Raymond of Charlestown has continued his gifts to the library by the addition of carved oak chairs, an elegant Doulton vase, a large marble medallion by Margaret P. Foie}1, and a long list of rare and antique articles. Other valuable gifts have been received. The teachers and pupils of the schools are making increasing use of the library in carry­ ing on the school work. The children of the town are thus acquiring a broader and better scholarship, and forming valu­ able habits of investigation. Westminster. Miss Mary Belle Hagar resigned her position as librarian Jan. 1, 1904, after a faithful and efficient service of about eight years, and Miss Sadie F. Greene was elected to fill the vacancy. About thirty trees and a lot of shrubs have been set out upon the library grounds by Mr. D. C. Miles, at the expense of a fund left with him in trust; they will in time add much to the beauty of the grounds. The use of the li­ brary and reading rooms has increased. Photographs, loaned by the Woman’s Education Association, have been exhibited in the children’s room from time to time, and some valuable gifts of books have been received. The library is slowly and steadily developing into what a modern library should be. Weston. The library holds funds to the amount of $8,400, the income of which is to be used in the purchase of books, and not for the general purposes of the library. Portraits of Miss Elizabeth S. White, the late lamented librarian, and Oliver R. Robbins, for many years chairman of the trustees, whose death occurred in 1903, have been presented to the library. Exhibitions of pictures of the Library Art Club have been given. The open-shelf system has been in use nearly four years, and only four books have been missing during that time, and none of them were juveniles. Weston must be the banner town for open shelves. During the school year the library is used to a large extent by the teachers and scholars of the public schools. The teachers are not limited to any class or number of books which may be taken for school use. Two new cases have been placed in the children’s room. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT —No. 44. 69

Westport. Westport Free Public Library. This library, at Cen­ tral Village, is a town library with 1,380 volumes, a catalogue of which has just been issued. Westport Point Library. This is a free public library, un­ der private control. The population of the village at West- port Point is under 200, and, as the library at Central Village is four miles away, they have not found it practicable to use the town library to any great extent. Their need has been met by the founding of this library by Mrs. Charles Cuthbert Hall, as a memorial of her parents, Bobert H. Boyd and Catherine Lansing Boyd. It was started Sept. 1, 1903, in a simple and small way, in the hope that it may grow according to the demands of the little community. Two hundred and seventy-three volumes, carefully selected, were purchased at the beginning; 73 volumes belonging to the old District School Library were gathered together from the homes of the vil­ lagers and given to the library. At the close of the first year there were 470 volumes in the library, and 1,323 volumes had been circulated. During the first eight months the books were in the care of the postmaster, but since May 1 they have been placed in a rented room. Miss Mary C. Corey, the libra­ rian, was formerly a teacher in the village school, and is interested to bring the library and the school together. Bulle­ tins and reading suggestions are placed in the school, and the teachers are allowed books -without limit. The library is free to the villagers, and summer visitors pay a small fee for the privilege of registering as borrowers. Papers and magazines are given, and the reading room .and library are open daily. A large library will never be required in this small community, but by a judicious choice of books this library may be made very useful. A printed catalogue has been issued, which will be supplemented by printed slips. Westport Public Library. This library was organized in 1889 by fifteen men of the village, and absorbed the Westport Social Library, which dated from 1840, and the Westport Library Association. It was closed in 1896, for lack of funds, and its books were taken from the store where they had been kept and stored for safe keeping. It was reopened by the young people in October, 1900, in a dwelling house, where it remained until March, 1902, when the death of the owner of the building caused it to be closed a second time. It 70 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

was again reopened in May, 1903, in the high school building , at the head of Westport, where it now is. It is entirely with­ out an income, except that which is obtained from an annual entertainment in the church. The neighboring libraries of New Bedford, Taunton and Fairhaven have sent many re­ jected duplicates, mostly fiction, which, although not of recent date, have furnished a good supply of reading material. The library has now about 1,600 volumes. West Springfield. The patrons of the library have steadily in­ creased in numbers. The children’s department, however, shows a decrease of 1,000 volumes in the circulation of 1903, which was due to the prevalence of scarlet-fever. Books on nature, history, art and religion have been in increased de­ mand, and it is intended to make many additions along those lines. West Stockbridge. A decrease in the circulation of 1903 was caused by the library being closed several weeks during the summer; the average number per week, when the library was open, was larger than that of the preceding year. The de­ mand for reference books has increased, and more of this class of books have been purchased. A portrait of Henry W. Long­ fellow has been presented, and wood for the use of the library has been freely furnished by John Vaber. Westwood. The circulation has materially increased. More in­ terest is apparent every year, especially on the part of the children. Weymouth. Tufts Library. Before the close of the summer term (1903) a graded list was sent to every school below the high school, with the request that the teachers would ask their pupils to read two at least of the books listed during the vaca­ tion, with the expectation that the first language lesson of the fall term would be on “ books I have read during vaca­ tion.” The result was very gratifying; such books as “ Ragged Dick,” “ Tattered Tom ” and the “ Optic ” books had more rest than usual, and better books were in constant demand. Twenty-five to 30 books each are now sent every two months to seven distant schools, whose pupils otherwise would re­ ceive little benefit from the library. The high school takes books for study only, but the lower grades read good stories and juvenile works of travel, history, poetry, natural science and the fine and useful arts. There was a gain of nearly 10 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 71 per cent, in the circulation, and a slight decrease in ibe pei cent, of fiction used. Students’ cards are issued to any who need a number of books lor special study. Besides exhibitions of the pictures of the Library Art Club, a loan exhibition of paintings by artists of II eymouth and vicinity was gii en, which was greatly appreciated by many visitors. Wh itm a n . In consequence of an insufficient appropriation, the trustees report (1903) that they have not been able to meet the demand for new books. There was a decrease in the cir­ culation, and the use of fiction was 90 per cent. The connect­ ing link between the library and the schools has been growing stronger. Williamsburg. Haydenville Public Library'. The library has been used even more extensively than usual, and, through the efficient work of the librarian, is doing good educational work, besides supplying the people with a good share of their lighter literature. Among the gifts were 100 bound volumes of magazines from the City Library Association of Springfield. This library is supported by the town of Williamsburg. Meekins Library. This library is free to the inhabitants of the town, but the town has no voice in its management. Twice as man)^ books as usual have been added, and the Browne charging system, which is very satisfactory, has been adopted. The two-book system is used, with the usual result of an increase in the use of non-fiction books. Williamstown. An important change in library hours has been made; the library is now accessible on five afternoons and two evenings in the week. This has been a great convenience, not only to the general public but also to the schools, as the schol­ ars are now better able to go to the library; and, as a conse­ quence, the circulation shows a gain of about 14 per cent. Winth ro p. The plan of placing all fiction upon the Cutter sys­ tem of classification has been completed. It is now possible to find without delay all the works of any author that are not in circulation, as this system brings together the books of each writer. It means quicker delivery and less waiting for the borrower. The other divisions of the library will be reclassi­ fied as opportunity offers. An encouraging feature of the work of the year was the increased use made of the reading- room. The continued interest on the part of the townspeople in the historical collection in the Pullin Point room is a mat- 7z FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

ter of especial gratification to the trustees. The room is now crowded with pictures and articles of local historical interest, and the collection is rapidly growing. Exhibitions of the pictures of the Library Art Club have been continued, and a special exhibition of park views, many of which were loaned by the Metropolitan Park Commission, has been given. Woburn. A partial closure of the library during the “ coal strike ” and an entire closing of two months in the summer by reason of the prevalence of scarlet-fever caused a great reduction in the circulation of 1903. The normal condition of affairs was renewed after September 1. The open-shelf system causes much misplacement of books, and increased work for the at­ tendants in replacing them in after hours ; otherwise, the sys­ tem is satisfactory, and it is not considered detrimental so far as the loss of books is concerned,—94- volumes were reported missing in 1903. Valuable manuscripts and other articles re­ lating to local history have been received. Three trustees have been appointed under the will of Jonathan Thompson for the purpose of erecting a library building at North Woburn; Andrew R. Linscott is the chairman. Worcester. It is very gratifying to have users of libraries re­ member the institutions in their wills. A few years ago Henry W. Brown, a teacher in the State Normal School in Worcester, remembering the assistance which he had received in this library, made to it a bequest of $100; that amount has been set aside as the,Henry W. Brown, Fund. William H. Bartlett, principal of one of the grammar schools in Worcester, died during the past year. He had used the library con­ stantly. Much had been done for him, and he always acknowl­ edged assistance with a beautiful courtesy. It is understood that the library will eventually receive from his estate the sum of about $2,500. Is it not well to encourage persons to make small bequests to libraries, when they cannot make large ones? It is verjr touching in some European countries to find institutions which have numerous very small funds, which have been left by appreciative friends. Let it be understood that a gift of $50 or $100 will be gratefully received, and let small funds be established, where practicable, to perpetuate the kindness and thoughtfulness of givers. The renewal of books by telephone has been so generally adopted that it has become necessary to have a private line for the circulating de- 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44.

partment. At the beginning of the school year it is the custom here to send a circular to the heads of the several public schools, offering to send an attendant, at an hour to be agreed upon, to take the signatures of such scholars as the teachers think should have the privilege of library cards for home use. This is additional to the work done in connection with the schools by means of the usual teachers’ and pupils’ cards. This plan not only encourages the use of books by children who should have them, but prevents a rush of signers between 4 and 6 o’clock in the afternoon, when the library assistants are ex­ tremely busy in waiting on the masses of boys and girls who crowd the children’s room between those hours on the first five secular days of the week. Yarmouth. Yarmouth Library Association. This library has received a gift of $1,000 from the late Mrs. Abby B. King- man of Brockton, a native of the town. The branch-at West Yarmouth has received an encyclopaadia in 2 9 volumes, and the library, though small, is doing well. The Tree Social Library at South Yarmouth has no regular income, and is dependent upon the liberality of its friends. The summer residents raised over $100 for its assistance. It has been moved into larger and more pleasant rooms on the ground floor, which have been fitted up at an expense of over $100. A new card catalogue and cabinet have been put in, and nearly 100 volumes added to the collection.

T h e W oman’s E ducation A ssociation. The exceptionally good work of the committee on libraries of the Woman’s Education Association, now extended over many years, has been a unique and very interesting and useful phase of the development of the ever-growing library interests of the State. It now has 50 travelling libraries, containing 1,417 volumes, and the circulation for the year has averaged 4 for each volume, the percentage of fiction being 53|. The libraries on special subjects number 10, upon the following subjects : Venice, Florence, Shakespeare, English architecture, Rome, Italian art, Egypt, French art, Spanish art and religion. Special libraries upon Greece and Dutch art are soon to be added. The localities that have received benefit from these libraries during the year are 49 in number: — 74 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

Acushnet, Heath, Rochester, Alford, Huntington, Rowe, Bedford, Ilyannis (in Barn­ Russell, Billerica, stable), Rutland, Bolton, Lakeville, Sandisfield, Brimfield, Littleville (in Ches- Shrewsbury, Cheshire, ter), Somerset, Chilmark, Millers Falls (in Mon- South Yarmouth, Clarksburg, tague), Swift River (in Cum- Colrain, Monroe Bridge, mington), Dana, Monterey, W ales, East Freetown, North Chester, Washington, Farley (in Erving), Oakham, Wendell, Florida, Otis, West Cummington, Goshen, Paxton, West Stock bridge, Granville, Pelham, Williamsburg, Groveland, Petersham, Windsor. Hancock, Plainfield,

In addition to the libraries, the association has 24 sets of pictures, which have been loaned for 149 exhibitions at 104 different places. The chairman and secretary made personal visits to 21 of the libraries in the sparsely settled towns of western Massachusetts. Such visits afford a stimulus and inspiration to the small libra­ ries which cannot be overestimated. The voluntary service of these ladies is of a nature which no material compensation can command. It is gratefully acknowledged by this commission. Its unselfish, helpful character, and the enthusiasm with which it is conducted, reaches a higher level than that of any paid official system of routine inspection or examination. These visits are heartily welcomed and gratefully appreciated by those who have the care of the small libraries. If such visits could be more widely extended, it would be a great benefit to the Commonwealth.

T he L ibrary A rt Club. The Library Art Club, which is conducted upon a self-sup­ porting basis, now has a membership of 114 libraries, 83 of which are in this State. It has provided 81 exhibits during the year. The lists of exhibits are of great and varied interest, comprising choice photographs of ancient and modern works of art, and a great number of photographs of the historic and 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. tr> picturesque scenery of different portions of the world. These exhibits have great educational value, and attract much atten­ tion from the general public.

C atalogue C ards. A large and increasing number of the libraries now purchase the printed catalogue cards provided by the Library of Con­ gress, and find it a great saving of expense. A complete set of these, so far as issued, is at all times accessible for consulta­ tion at the State Library. Full instructions as to the price and the method of ordering may be obtained by application to the Library of Congress. The last report of the librarian of Congress states that: “ The experience of this year has empha­ sized that of last, in demonstrating the fact that author and title orders constitute a simple and effective means of ordering cards; and that all except the larger libraries would do well to perfect their method of ordering by this means before attempting any other.’’ A rt L ibrary M a p . The skilful hand of Prof. George H. Bartlett, principal of the Normal Art School, prepared for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition a large map of the State, containing pen and ink drawings of over 250 of our library buildings in the towns they serve. This map attracted great attention during the continu­ ance of the fair at St. Louis, and will form a portion of the State exhibit at the coming Lewis and Clarke Exposition. It was awarded the grand prize at St. Louis. A reduced copy of the map forms a portion of this report.

L ocal L ibrary C lu bs. The admirable work of the Massachusetts Library Club has been supplemented by the establishment in recent years of the Bay Path, Western Massachusetts and Cape Cod library clubs, all of which have been most helpful. Experience seems to demonstrate that the local club can be of the greatest aid to the small library. The time and interests of the larger club are necessarily largely devoted to the problems and work of the larger libraries, many or most of which can afford professional or semi-professional librarians. The unpaid librarians of the 76 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. 1905. smaller libraries are unable to attend the meetings, by reason of the expense of travel, and the minor questions which arise in their experience are seldom discussed. The local club, near at home, less formal and of a more sympathetic local interest, can do the greatest good to the library which most needs simple aid. if at least a half dozen more local clubs could be organized in the State, at points accessible with the least expense to the greatest number of librarians of small libraries, they would prove of great value. C onclusion. This commission has been in existence a decade and a half. Its work began under favoring conditions. It has been carried on quietly, and every town now has its free public library. To distribute the treasures of the library in the simplest and most effective manner, and to maintain the purity of the sources of supply, are and will be ever-present problems. To create and stimulate in the minds of the young a desire for good read­ ing, and to satisfy that desire on the lines of least resistance as to time, distance and expense, covers the whole ground of economic and efficient library administration. Formality and mechanical methods should be discouraged; familiarity and simplicity encouraged. It is the ever-living, ever-present per­ sonality that creates and maintains.

C. B. TILLINGHAST, MABEL SIMPKINS AGASSIZ, SAMUEL SWEPT GREEN, ELIZABETH P. SOHIER, DELORAINE P. COREY, Commissioners. A p p e n d i x I.

NAMES

OF

Free Public libraries

AND

NAMES OF LIBRARIANS.

NAMES OF FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND NAMES OF LIBRARIANS.

C i t i e s a n d T o w n s . Name of Library. Name of Librarian.

Abington, Abington Public Library, . Mary Otis Nash. North Abington, North Abington Branch, Sara A. Loud. A cton...... Acton Memorial Library, . Arthur F. Davis. A cushnet, Acushnet Free Public Library, . Elsie Collins. Perry Hilt, Perry Ilill Branch, Cora B. Fuller. Long Plain, Long Plain Branch, Florence A. Manter. Adams, .... Adams Free Public Library, Lucy C. Richmond. Agawam, Agawam Public Library, Emma F. Pyne. Feeding Hills, . Feeding Hills Branch, . S. Newell Smith. Mittineague, Mittineague Branch, _ Alford, .... Alford Free Town Library, Mrs. Rachel E. Ploss. IF««* Alford, West Alford Branch, . _ Amesbury, . Amesbury Public Library, . Alice C. Follansbee. A m herst, Amherst Public Library, Mary A. Robinson. Forth Amherst, North Amherst Public Library, . Esther L. Ilaskins. Andover, Memorial Hall Library, Ballard Holt. Arlington, . Robbins Library, .... Elizabeth J. Newton. Arlington Heights, . Arlington Heights Branch, . M. M ade S eabury. Ashburuham, Ashburuham Public Library, Lona M. D avis. South Ashbuniham, South Ashburuham Library, Mrs. F. Z. Howe. A shby, .... Ashby Town Library, . Eliza A. Kendall. Asbtield, Ashtield Library Association, Julia A. Williams. A shland, Ashland Public Library, Mrs. Ellen M. Arnold. A thol, .... Athol Free Public Library, Mantie R. Hinman. Attleborough. Attleborough Public Library, Letitia S. Allen. A uburn, Auburn Free Public Library, Josie E. Prouty. Avon, .... Avon Public Library, . H. Wallace Blanchard. A yer, .... Ayer Library, .... May M Fletcher. Barnstable, . Sturgis Library, .... Elizabeth C. Nye. Centreville, Centreville Free Public Library Eunice Hallett. Association. Cotuit, Cotuit Library, .... Adeline F. Bearse. Hyannis, . Hyannis Free Public Library, . El (led a Bradford. Marstoji’s Mills, N larston’s Mills L ibrary, Lillie Backus. Osterville, . Osterville Public Library, . Mrs. Maurice G. Crocker. West Barnstable, W est Barnstable Branch, - Barre, .... Barre Town Library, . Carrie E. Read. Becket...... Becket Athenæum, Mrs. Eliza Millard. Bedford, Bedford Free Public Library, Fannie A. Wood. Belchertown, Clapp Memorial Library. Lydia A. Barton Bellingham, . Bellingham Free Public Library, Sara T. Rock wood. Belmont, Belmont Public Library, Florence E. Whitcher. Berkley, Berkley Public Library, Julia R Burt. Berlin, .... Berlin Free Public Library, Alice E. Babcock. South Berlin, . South Berlin Branch, . John Walter. Bernardston, Cushman Library, Mrs. Mary L. Dills. Iluckle Ilill, . Huckle Ilill Branch, Mrs. C. S. Hale. West Mountain, West Mountain Branch, Mrs. F. Putnam. B e v e r l y , Beverly Public Library, Martha P. Smith. Beverly Farms, Beverly Farms Branch, Lillian A. Culbert. Billerica, Bennett Public Library, Fannie S. Paige. Talbot Mills, . Talbot Library, .... Lillie Bottomly. Blackstone, . Blackstone Public Library,. Timothy E. Curran. East Blackstone, East Blackstone Branch, Bessie Scott. Millville, . Millville Branch, .... Timothy E Curran. Blandford, . Blandford Free Public Library, . nattie Parks Herrick. North Blandford, . North Blandford Branch, Charlotte M. Burleigh. Blair District, . Blair District Branch, . Mrs. Albert M. Ritter. Bolton, . Bolton Public Library, Fidelia C. Newton. B o s t o n , Public Library of the City of Horace G. Wadlin. Boston. Brighton, . Brighton Branch, .... Belle S. nail. Charlestown, Charlestown Branch, . Elizabeth F. Cartee. Dorchester, Dorchester Branch, Mrs. Elizabeth T. Reed. East Boston, East Boston Branch, . Ellen O. Walkley. Jamaica Plain, Jamaica Plain Branch, Mary P. Swain. Roxbury, . Roxbury Branch, .... Helen M. Bell. South Boston, . South Boston Branch, . Alice M. Robinson. South End, South End Branch, Margaret A. Sheridan. West End, . West End Branch, Mrs. Eliza R. Davis. West Roxbury, . West Roxbury Branch, Carrie L. Morse. 80 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES [Jan.

Names of Free Public Libraries and Names of Librarians — Con.

C i t i e s a n d T o w n s . Name of Library. Name of Librarian.

B ourne, Jonathan Bourne Public Library, Edith F. Nickerson. Boxborough, Boxborouifh Free Public Library, Mrs. H. L. Priest. B oxford, Boxford Public Library, Gratuitous services of ladies. West Boxford, . West Boxford Public Library, . Katharine G. Perley. B oylston, Boylston Public Library, George L. Wright. B raintree, Thayer Public Library, Abbie M. Arnold. B rew ster, Brewster Ladies’ Library Asso­ Emily Rowe. ciation. Bridgewater, Bridgewater Public Library, Lucia L. Christian. B rim field, Brimlield Public Library, . M. A nna T arbell. B r o c k t o n , . Brockton Public Library, . Walter Kendall Shaw. GampellOy . Cam pello Branch,. . . . Mrs. Susan A. Sampson. Montello, . Montello Branch, .... Mrs. Addie Howard. Brookfield, . Merrick Public Library. Eliza R. Hobbs. B rookline, Public Library of Brookline, L ouisa M. H ooper. B uckland, Buckland Public Church Library, Charles W . Trow. Burlington, . Burlington Town Library, . Florence I. Foster. C a m b r i d g e , Cambridge Public Library, . Clarence W alter Ayer. East Cambridge, East Cambridge Branch, Mary Curtis. Canton, .... Canton Public Library, Mrs. Lucy D. Downes. Carlisle, Gleason Library, .... Mary A. Green. C arver, .... Carver Public Library, Mrs. Bernice E. Barrows. North Carver, . North Carver Branch, . Rev. O. F. Stetson. South Carver, . South Carver Branch, . School teachers. East Carver, East Carver Branch, School teachers. Ckarlemont, . Charlemont Free Town Library, Juliet B. Smith. C harlton, Charlton Free Public Library, . Mrs. Hattie L. Carpenter. C hatham , Chatham Public Library, Mrs. Florence Howes Bond. Chelmsford, . Adams Library, .... Charles H. Greenleaf. North Chelmsford, . North Chelmsford Library Asso­ Emma J. Gay. ciation. C h e l s e a , Fitz Public Library, Medora Jennett Simpson. C heshire, Cheshire Library Association, . Emma E. Martin. C hester, Chester Free Public Library, Grace M. Alvord. Chesterfield,. Chesterfield Free Public Library, Mrs. Hugh B. Gray. West Chesterfield, . W est Chesterfield Branch, . Mrs. Gilbert B. Healy. C h i c o p e e , . Chicopee City Library, Anne A. Smith. Chicopee Falls, Chicopee Falls Branch, Emma E. Gorton. Willimansett, . Willimansett Branch, . Grace E. Smith. C hilm ark, Chilmark Free Public Library, . Mrs. Florence B. Mayhew. Clarksburg, . Clarksburg Public Library, Robert S. McKay. Clinton, Bigelow Free Public Library, Charlotte L. Greene. Cohasset, Paul Pratt Memorial Library, Sarah B. Collier. Colrain, Colrain Free Library, . Mrs. Katherine Holton Cram. Concord, Concord Free Public Library, Helen Whitney Kelley. Conw ay, Conway Public Library, Grace Pease. Cottage City, Cottage City Free Public Library, Ethel L. Barney. Cummington, Bryant Free Library, . Loren-zo II. 'Power. D alton, .... Dalton Free Public Library, Mrs. M. E. Davison. D ana, .... Daua Free Public Library, . Mrs. Susan E Stevens. North Dana, Dana Free Public Library, . M rs. A . W . Slate. D anvers, Peabody Institute Library, . Mrs. Emilie D. Patch. Dartmouth, . Dartmouth Free Public Library, Mary A. Tucker. Smith Dartmouth, . Southworth Library, . H enry M. W alker. D edham , Dedham Public Library, Frances M. Mann. Oakdale, . Oakdale Branch, .... David C. Valentine. East Dedham, . East Dedham Branch, . Joseph Meehan. D eerfield, South Deerfield Town Library, . M. A . Pierce. D eerfield, Dickinson Library, Robert Pelton 8ibley. Pocumtuck Valley Pocumtuck Valley Memorial As- M. Elizabeth Stebbins. Association. sociation Library. D ennis, .... Jacob Sears Memorial Library, . Mrs. Nathan Sears. D ighton, Dighton Free Public Library, Dwight F. Lane. Douglas, Simon Fairfield Public Library, . Alice E. Luther. D over...... Dover Town Library, . Alma M. Chickering. D racut, .... Dracut Public Library, Amy II. Goodhue. D udley, Dudley Free Public Library, Carrie E. Easterbrook. Dunstable, . Dunstable Free Public Library, . Mrs. Lizzie A. Swallow. D ux b u ry , Duxbury Free Library, 8ara B. Higgins. East Bridgewater, East Bridgewater Public Library, Lucy L. Siddall. E astham , Eastham Public Library, Mrs. Herbert C. Clark. Easthampton, Public Library Association, Dorcas Chapin Miller. East Longmcadow, E. Longmeadow Public Library, Mary R. McIntosh. E a sto n ...... Ames Free Library, Mary L. Lamprey. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 8 l

Names oj Free Public Libraries and Names of Librarians— Con.

C i t i e s a n d T o w n s . Name of Library. Name of Librarian.

Edgartown, . Edgartown Free Public Library, Eunice C. Ripley. Egremont, Egremont Free Library, M argaret O’Neil. North Egremont, North Egremont Branch, . Rev. W. W. Gushee. West Egremont, W est Egremont Branch, Mrs. G. W. Smith. Enfield,. . . . Enfield Library Association, Ada L. Harwood. Erving...... Erving Town Library,. Mrs. W. G. Walkup. Miller's Falls, . Erving Town Library, . Mrs. W. A. Butman. Essex, .... T. O .Il. P. Burnham Public Li­ Jennie II. Woodman. b rary. E v e r e t t , Frederick E. Parlin Memorial Li­ Ellen L. Johnson. b rary. Glendale, . Shute Memorial Library, Mrs. E. Leoua Lydiavd. Fairhaven, . The Millicent Library, Drew B. Hall. F a l l R i v e r , Fall River Public Library, . William R. Ballard. Falm outh, Falmouth Free Public Library, . Clara L. Davis. West Falmouth, West Falmouth Library, Albert S. Bowerman. Woods Hole, Woods Hole Library, . Joseph Wralsh. F i t c h b u r g , . Fitchburg Public Library, . George E. Nutting. Florida, Florida Free Library, . Mrs. E. J. Whitcomb. Foxborough, Boyden Library, . Mary I). Torrey. Framingham, Framingham Town Library, Emma L. Clarke. Franklin, Franklin Library Association, . Mrs. Ella G. Campbell. Freetown, Guilford II. Hathaway Library, M. Florence D ean. East Freetown, East Freetown Circulating Li­ E. W. Lawrence. b rary. Gardner, Levi Hey wood Memorial Library, Mary Reynolds Clarke. Gay Head, . Gay Head Public Library, . Harry G. Reed. Georgetown, Georgetown Peabody Library, . Sara T. Noyes. Gill...... Gill Free Public Library, . Mrs. WHlliam Franklin. Riverside, . Gill Free Public Library, . Frank D. Jones. G l o u c e s t e r , Sawyer Free Library, . Rachel S. W'ebber. Gloucester, Free City Library, Annie G. O’Neill. Magnolia,. Magnolia Library, Elizabeth T. Thornton. Goshen, Goshen Free Public Library, Winnie A. Dresser. Gosnold, Gosnold Free Public Library, Mrs. Bertha L. Stetson. Grafton, Grafton Public Library, Mabel L. Howe. Granby, Granby Free Public Library, Cora II. Kellogg. Granville, Granville Free Public Library, . Mabel H. Root. Granville Centre, Granville Centre Branch, West Granville, West Granville Branch, Mrs. Mary B. Treat. Great Barrington, Great Barrington Free Library, . E m m a Wr. Sheldon. Greenfield, . Greenfield Public Library, . May Ashley. Greenfield, Greenfield Library Association, . Almeda B. Robbins. Greenwich, . Greenwich Public Library,. Helen I. Nevins. Groton, .... Groton Public Library, Emma F. Blood. Groveland, . Groveland Public Library, . South Groveland^ . Hale Library, .... Edward L. Sides. Hadley,. . . . Hadley Free Library, . George C. Marsh. North Hadley, . North Hadley Branch,. O. W. Prouty. Halifax, Holmes Public Library, James T. Thomas. Hamilton, Hamilton Public Library, . Mrs. Grace C. Stone. Hampden, Hampden Free Public Library, . Mrs. John Q. Adams. Hancock, Hancock Public Library, Daniel Shepardson. North Hancock, North Hancock Branch, Mrs. George W. Yeager. Hanover, John Curtis Free Library, . Alice L. Bailey. Hanson, South, . Wampatuck Library, . Mrs. Abby F. Phillips. Hanson, North, . Hanson Free Public Library, Mary J. Drew. Hardwick, Hardwick Free Town Library, . Hannah R. Spooner. Hardwick, E. R. Paige Library, . Hannah R. Spooner. Gilbertville, George H. Gilbert Manufactur­ Alfred H. Richardson. ing Company’s Library. Harvard, Harvard Public Library, Mrs. Estelle E. Clark. Harwich, Broadbrooks Free Library, Lulu B. Tobey. Hatfield, Hatfield Public Library, John II. Sanderson. H a v e r h i l l , . Haverhill Public Library, . John Grant Moulton. Washington Street, . Washington Street Branch, Jessie S. Gile. Ayer's Village, Ayer’s Village Branch, E dw in M. Ilaseltine. Rocks Valley, . Rocks Valley Branch, . Emma E. 'Thompson. Bradford, Bradford Branch, .... Kate E. Johnson. Hawley, Hawley Free Public Library, Mrs. Florence S. Bissell. West Hawley, . Hawley Free Public Library, Mrs. Delia Vincent. Heath, .... Heath Free Public Library, Henry Kirk Smith. Hingham, Hingham Public Library, . Hawkes Fearing. Nantasket, Nantasket Public Library, . Mary W . Clark. — ~ ------— ------82 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES [Jan

Names of Free Public Libraries and Names of Librarians — Con.

C i t i e s a n d T o w n s . Name of Library. Name of Librarian.

Hinsdale, . . Hinsdale Public Library Asso­ James Hosmer. ciation. H olbrook, Holbrook Public Library, . Zenas A. French. H olden, Gale Free Library, Mrs. Addie M. Holden. H olland, Holland Public Library, Mrs. Bertha L. Howlett. Ilolliston, Holliston Public Library, . Josephine E. Rockwood. H o l y o k e , Holyoke Public Library, Frank Grenell Willcox. H opedale, Bancroft Memorial Library, Harriet B. Sornborger. Hopkinton, . Hopkinton Public Library, . Sadie B. Stewart. Hubbardston, Hubbardston Public Library, Lucy H. Grimes. H udson, Hudson Public Library, Mrs. Grace M. Whittemore. H ull, . Hull School Library, . The Three Trustees. Huntington, . Huntington Free Public Library, Mrs. Adeline E. Munson. Hyde Park, . Hyde Park Public Library, Elizabeth Ainsworth. Readville, . R eadville B ranch...... H enry M. Dean, J r . Ipsw ich, Ipswich Free Public Library, Lydia A. Caldwell. K ingston, Frederic C. Adams Public Li­ Mrs. Jennie F. McLauthlen. b rary. y Lakeville, Lakeville Free Public Library, . Frank York Hall. Lancaster, Lancaster Town Library, . V irginia M. K eyes. Lanesborough, Lanesborough Town Library, Bessie E. Cummings. L a w r e n c e , . Lawrence Free Public Library, . William A. Walsh. South Lawrence, South Lawrence Branch, Ethel P. Southwick. Lee, Lee Public Library, Mary Stallman. L eicester, Leicester Public Library, . Mary Whittemore Warren. Greenville, Copeland Memorial Library, M rs. M. C. W heelock. Lenox, . Lenox Library, .... Anna Louise White. Leominster, . Leominster Public Library, Florence Ethel Wheeler. L everett, Leverett Free Public Library, Mrs. Elsie R. Ames. North Leverett,. North Leverett Free Public Li­ Edith E. Fisk. brary. Lexington, . Cary Library, .... Marian P. Kirkland. East Lexington, East Lexington Branch, Emma O. Nichols. Leyden, Leyden Free Public Library, Mrs. M. S. Whitcomb. Lincoln, Lincoln Public Library, Lydia J. Chapin. L ittleton, Reuben Hoar Library,. Sarah F. White. Longmeadow, Lougmeadow Town Library, Mrs Kate S. Gates. L o w e l l , City Library of Lowell, Frederick A. Chase. L udlow , Hubbard Memorial Library, Mary Adams Birnie. Lunenburg, . Lunenburg Public Library, L. Frances Jones. L y n n , . Lynn Free Public Library, . Harriet Louise Matthews. Lynniield, Lynniield Public Library, . Elizabeth W Green. M a l d e n , Malden Public Library, Lizzie A. Williams. Manchester, . Manchester Public Library, Deluceua L Bingham. Mansfield, Mansfield Public Library, . Ida F Hodges. Marblehead, . Abbot Public Library,. Mary Gerry Brown. M arion, . Marion Public Library, Mary E Allen. M a r l b o r o u g h , . Marlborough Public Library, Sarah E. Cotting. Marshfield, . Veutress Free Public Library, . Joshua T. Baker. Marshfield Hills, Clift Rogers Free Public Library, L. S. Richards. M ashpee, Mashpee Public Library, Clara N. Collins. Mattapoisett, Mattapoisett Free Public Library, Clara F. Sherman. M aynard, Maynard Public Library, Mrs. Sarah F. Nyman. M edfield, Medfield Public Library, Lucretia M. Johnson. M e d f o r d , . Medford Public Library, Mary E Sargent. M edway, West, Medway Free Public Library, . Mrs. Anna Fales. Medway Village, Dean Library, .... Bertha E. Newell. M e l r o s e , Melrose Public Library, C arrie M. W orthen. M endon, Taft Public Library, Annie E. Kiusley. M errim ac, Merrimac Public Library, . Louise C. Brackett. M ethuen, Nevins Memorial Library, . Harriet L. Crosby. Middleborough, . Middleborough Public Library, . Mrs. Adelaide K. Thatcher. Middlefield, . Middlefield Public Library, Metcalf J. Smith. Middleton, . Flint Public Library, . Samuel A. Fletcher. M ilford, Milford Town Library, Nathaniel F. Blake. M illbury, Millbury Town Library, Carolyn C. Waters. M illis, . Millis Free Public Library,. Mrs. Annie Macdonough. M ilton, . Milton Public Library, Gertrude E. Forrest. East Milton, East Milton Reading Room, Josephine M. Babcock. Mattapan, Mattapan Reading Room, Emma K. Chapman. Russell, . . Russell Reading Room, Jennie W. Kennedy. Milton Village, Milton Village Reading Room, . Caira D. Ilawkes. Monroe, Monroe Free Public Library, Mrs. VV. L. Allen. M onson, Monson Free Library and Read­ Nellie F. Squier. ing Room Association. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 83

Names of Free Public Libraries and Names of Librarians — Con.

C i t i e s a n d T o w n s . Name of Library. Name of Librarian.

Montague Public Library, . Ivato A. Armstrong. Turner's Falls, M otitague Public Library, Norman P. Farwell. Turner’s Palls Branch. Monterey Free Library, Della A. Try on. Montgomery Free Public Library, Mrs. D L. Allyn. Mount W ashington, . Mouut Washington Free Public Guy N. Patterson. L ibrary. Nahant Public Library, May W. Perkins. Nantucket Athemeum, Sarah F. Barnard. Morse Institute Library, Mira R. Partridge. Bacon Free Library, Mrs. Adelaide Williams. Needham Free Public Library, . Mrs. Riella J. Dunn. New Ashford Public Library, . George II. Halfacre. N e w B e d f o r d , . Free Public Library of the City George U. Tripp. of New Bedford. New Braintree, . New Braintree Public Library, . Carrie F. Bush. N e w b u r y p o r t , . Newburyport Public Library, John D. Parsons. New Marlborough, New Marlborough Public Li­ Mrs. Lura A. Doncaster. b rary. New Salem Public Library, Winifred Cogswell. Newton Free Library, . Elizabeth P. Thurston. Auburudale Branch, Annie E Bunker. Newton Centre Branch, J u lia C. Ileushaw . Newton Upper Falls, Newton Upper Falls Branch, Mary E. Barnard. West Newton Branch, . Helen Wheeler. Norfolk Public Library, W alter L. Sykes. N o r t h A d a m s , . North Adams Public Library, . Mabel Temple. Oscar A. Archer Branch, . Oscar A. Archer. Braytonville, . Braytonville Branch, . Helen Brown. Fast Mountain, East Mountain Branch, Mary H art. Houghtonville, . Houghtonville Branch, Sadie Henderson. North Andover, . North Andover Public Library, . Hannah J. Quealy. North Attleborough, . Richards Memorial Library, Leda J Thompson. North Brookfield, North Brookfield Free Public Li­ Nellie L. Smith. brary and Reading Room. North Reading, . Flint Library, .... Addie W. Gowing. Northampton Public Library, Sara D. Kellogg. Forbes Library ...... William Parker Cutter. Lilly Free Library, Mary A. Fuller. Northborough, Northborough Free Library, M. Evelyn Potter Whitinsville Social Library, Mrs. William H. Fuller. Dickinson Memorial Library, Mrs. F. J. Stockbridge. Norton Public Library, Emily A. Titus. James Public Library, Joseph F. Merritt. Morrill Memorial Library, . Jane A. Hewett. Oakham Free Public Library, Frank E. Davis. Orange Free Public Library, Grace H. Dawley. North Orange, . North Orange Branch, . Mfs. Sara E Rich. Snow Library, .... Hiram Myers. Otis Free Public Library, . Mrs. Olive J. Davison. Oxford Free Public Library, Mrs. Clara A. Fuller. North Oxford Branch,. Nellie M. Tolman. Palm er...... Y oung M en’s L ib rary A ssociation, H arold M. D ean. Bondsville, Bondsville Branch, - Thorndike Branch, - Three Rivers Branch, . - Paxton Free Public Library, Anna E. Woodruff. Peabody, Peabody Institute Library,. Lyman P. Osborn. Peabody, Eben Dale Sutton Reference Li- Augusta F. Daniels. • b rary. Pelham, Pelham Free Public Library, Mary A. Keith. Pembroke, Pembroke Free Library, Ellen F. Cox. Cobb Memorial Library, Mrs. Julia Morton. Pepperell, Lawrence Library, Mrs. M. Fannie Shattuck. Free Public Library of Peru, Mattie Hathaway. Petersham, . Petersham Memorial Library, Fanny Gordon Prince. Phillipston, . Phillips Free Public Library, Mrs. Tina H. Chaffin. Berkshire Athenaeum, . Harlan II Ballard. Plainfield, Plainfield Public Library, . Anna M. King. Plym outh, Plymouth Public Library, . Nellie '1 homas. Loring Reading Room, Sara C. Van de Carr. Plym pton, Plympton Free Public Library, . John Sherman. Prescott, Prescott Free Public Library, Henry L. Berry. East Branch,...... M Flora Brown. Hill District, . Hill Branch,...... Helen Dickinson. 84 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES [Jan

Names of Free Public Libraries and Names of Librarians — Con.

C i t i e s a n d T o w n s . Name of Library. Name of Librarian.

P r i n c e t O D , Princeton Public Library, . Susie A. Davis. Provincetown, Provincetown Public Library, . Abbie Cook Putnam. Q u i n c y , Thomas Crane Public Library, . Amelia L. Bumpus. R andolph, Turner Free Library, . Dr. Charles C. Farnham. R aynham , Raynham Free Library, Lucy W. Thompson. North Raynham, North Raynham Library Associ­ Mrs. Mary H. Barton. ation. Reading, Reading Public Library, Bertha Brown. R ekoboth, Blanding Library, Nettie Earle. R evere...... Revere Public Library, Harriet T. Fenno. Richm ond, . Richmond Public Library, . Abbie E. Barnes. R ochester, Free Public Library, . Sarah A. Haskell. North Rochester, North Rochester Branch, J. P. Trowbridge. R ockland, Rockland Public Library, . Angela W . Collins. R ockport, Rockport Public Library, . E lsie M. D ann. Pigeon Cove, Pigeon Cove Library, . Lillie Aspegren. R ow e...... Rowe Town Library, . Mrs. Alice E. Newell. R ow ley, Rowley Free Public Library, Mrs. Catharine N . Mighill. Royalston, . Royalston Public Library, . Mrs. Emeline E. Mackenzie. Russell,. . . . Russell Free Public Library, Mrs. M. B. Shelley. Fairfield, . Fairfield Branch, .... Mrs. F. Bower. Russell Mountain, . Russell Mountain Branch, . Mrs. C. J. Thompson. R utland, Rutland Free Public Library, Mrs. E. J. Prouty. Gardner M. Jones. Salem,. . . . Salem Public Library, . . S alisbury, Salisbury Free Public Library, . Alice R. Currier. Sandisfield, . Sandisfield Free Public Library,. Carrie M. Barker. Sandw ich, Sandwich Free Public Library, . Annie A. Rogers. Saugus,. . . . Saugus Free Public Library, Emma E. Newhall. Savoy, . Savoy Free Public Library, William F. Briggs. Scituate, Satuit Library, .... Blanche C. Gardner. North Scituate, Peirce Memorial Library, . Mary L. Lee. Seekonk, Seekonk Public Library, Edna T. Lane. Sharon, .... Sharon Public Library, Emma A. Baker. Sheffield, Sheffield Free Town Library, Gertrude S. Gleason. Shelburne, . Shelburne Free Public Library, . Mercy A. Anderson. Shelburne Falls, Arms Public Library, . Daniel W. Wilcox. Sherborn, Sherborn Town Library, M. Nellie Clark. S hirley, Shirley Public Library, Mrs. Alice L. Wright. Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Free Public Library, Mabel E. Knowlton. Shutesbury, . Shutesbury Free Public Library, Mary L. Clark. Som erset, Somerset Free Public Library, . Myra Babbitt. S o m e r v i l l e , Somerville Public Library, . Sam Walter Foss. South Hadley, South Iladley Public Library, . Rebecca Smith. South Iladley Falls, South Hadley Public Library, . Grover C. Kirley. Southampton, Southampton Public Library, Eva M. Gridley. Southborough, Fay Library,...... Francena E. Buck. Southbridge, Southbridge Public Library, Ella E. Miersch. Southwick, . Free Public Library of South­ W. B. Harding. w ick. Spencer, Richard Sugden Public Library, Nellie A. Cutter. S p r i n g f i e l d , City Library Association of Hiller C. Wellman. Springfield. Sterling, Sterling Free Public Library, Mary D. Peck. Stockbridge, Stockbridge Library Association, Caroline P. Wells. Stoneham, . Stoneham Free Public Library, . Mrs. II. Manila Boyce. Stoughton, . Stoughton Public Library, . M A lice B urnham . Stow , . Randall Memorial Library, . Susan M. Law rence. Sturbridge, . Joshua Hyde Library,. Mrs. Horace M. Locke. Sudbury, The Gooduow Library, Mary L. Cutter. Sunderland, . Sunderland Public Library, Abbie T. Montague. S utton, . . . . Sutton Free Library, . Sarah M. Mills. M anchaug, Sutton Free Library, . Francis Truscott. South Sutton, . Sutton Free Library, . Mrs. Mary L. Littlefield. West Sutton, Sutton Free Library, . Jason Waters. Wilkinsonville, . Sutton Free Library, . F. M. Barton. Swampscott, Swampscott Public Library, S. Louise Honors. Sw ansea, Swansea Free Public Library, . Julia R. Wellington. Joshua Eddy Crane. T a u n t o n , . Taunton Public Library, T em pleton, . Boynton Public Library, Nellie F. Bryant. Tewksbury, . Tewksbury Public Library, Harriette G. Lee. T isb u ry , Vineyard Haven Library, . Mabel T. Tilton. Tolland, Tolland Free Library, . W ilbert Munu. T opsiield, Topsfield Town Library, . Albert M. Dodge. Townsend, . Townsend Public Library, . Annie S. Begg. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 85

Names of Free Public Libraries and Names of Librarians — Con.

C i t i e s a n d T o w n s . Name of Library. Name of Librarian.

Truro, .... Truro Town Library, . Mrs. Laurena A. Ryder. North Truro, . North Truro Branch, . Mrs. E. 1L Small. South Truro, . South Truro Branch, . .V. B . Cobb. Tyngsborough, Tyngsborough Public Library, . I Ellen Lydia Perham. Tyringham, . Tyringham Free Public Library, Ninon L. Fuller. Upton, .... Upton Town Library, . Mrs. Laura C. Sadler. Uxbridge, Uxbridge Free Public Library, . Beatrice Putnam. Wakefield, . Beebe Town Library, . Mrs. Harriet A. Shepard. W ales, .... \Y ales Public Library, . L. II. Thompson. Walpole, W alpole Public Library, Ida J. Phelps. W a l t h a m , . YY altham Public Library, . Mrs. Mary E. Bill. W are, .... Young Men’s Library Associa- Harriet B. Hayden. W areham, Wareham Free Library, Mrs. Harriet P. Harlow. Warren, Warren Public Library, doseph G-. Hastings. W arwick, Warwick Free Librar}’, Clara A. Jones. Watertown, . Free Public Library, Solon F. Whitney. W ay land, Wayland Town Library, Margaret E. Wheeler. W ebster, Webster Free Public Library, . Mrs. Phosbe II. Kingsbury. Wellesley, Wellesley Free Library, Julia F. Jennings. Wellfieet, Free Public Library of Wellfieet, Mrs. Kate E. Brown. Wendell, Wendell Free Library, Mrs. Mary E. White. Farley, Farley Branch, .... Mildred C. Russell. W enham, Wenham Public Library, . Benjamin H. Conant. Fast Wenham, . East Wenham Branch, H. Adeline Wilkins. Wenham Neck,. Wenham Neck Branch, Addison Williams. West Wenham,. West Wenham Branch, G eorge V . Bow den. Westborough, Westborough Public Library, Martha J. Eastman. West Boylston, . West Boylston Public Library, . Edna C. Baldwin. West Bridgewater, W est B ridgew ater P ublic Li- Mary L. Perkins. b rary . West Brookfield, . Merriam Public Library, Florence A. Johnson. Westfield, YY^estfield A thenæ um , . Herbert W. Denio. Jtundale, . Mundale Branch, .... Rev. W ilbur Hale. Westford, J. V. Fletcher Library, Mary P. Bunce. Westhampton, Reunion Library of Westhamp­ George E. Knight. ton. Westminster, Forbush Memorial Library, Sadie F. Greene. West Newbury, . West Newbury Public Library,. Caroline Carr. First Parish, . First Parish Branch, . Mrs. Isabel A. Ivennett. W estport, Westport Free Public Library, . Annie R. Howland. Head of Westport, . Westport Public Library, . E. W. Burt, M.D. Westport Point, Westport Point Library, Mary C. Corey. West Springfield, West Springfield P u d I ìc L ibrary, Daniel G. White. West Stockbridge, Wrest Stockbridge Free Library,. Frances J. Edwards. West Tisbury, West Tisbury Free Public Li­ Cyrus Manter. b rary. Weston, Weston Public Library, M aude M. Pennook. Westwood, . Westwood Public Library,. Annie L. Richardson. Weymouth, . The Tufts Library, Caroline A. Blanchard. South Weymouth, Fogg Memorial Library, Ruth N. Tower. W hately, Whately Public Library, Ella L. Elder. W hitman, Whitman Public Library, . Ellena S. Spilsted. Wilbraham, . Free Public Library, . . . Minnie M. Morgan. Williamsburg, Meekins Memorial Library, . i A da M. C handler. Haydenville, Haydenville Free Library, . . j Charles A. Phillips. W illiamstown, . . | Williamstown Public Library, . j Lucy F. Curtis. South William stolen, i South Williamstown Public Li- i Mrs. Lucy Torrey Sanford. b rary. Wilmington, Wilmington Public Library, Anna T. Sheldon. W inchendon, . . i Winchendon Public Library, Mrs. Sylvia M. Manzer. Winchester. . Winchester Public Library, Cora A. Quimby. Windsor, Windsor Free Public Library, . Agatha Bicknell. Winthrop, . WTinthrop Public Library, . Bessie F. Cordes. W o b u r n , . . . Woburn Public Library, William R. Cutter. W o r c e s t e r , . . 1 Free Public Library of the City Samuel S. Green. of Worcester. W orthington. . . j Worthington Free Library, Katharine M. Rice. Wrentham, . Wrentham Public Library, . Mary A. Smith. Yarm outh, . . . | Yarmouth Library Association, . Mrs. Lydia C. Matthews. South Yarmouth, Free Social Library, T. F. Baker. West Yarmouth, West Yarmouth Library, . Mrs. Maria Taylor.

A p p e n d i x II.

A P oll of H o n o r .

L ist of G iv ees of F r e e P ublic L ibrary

B uildings in M assachusetts.

GIVERS OF FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY BUILDINGS IN MASSACHUSETTS.

A c t o n , . . . Gift of Hon. 'William A. Wilde of Malden.

A m e s b u r y , . . Bequest of Mary A. Barnard and others.

A m h e r s t , N o r t h , . Mainly the gift of citizens.

A n d o v e r , . G ift of citizens.

A r l i n g t o n , . . Gift of Mrs. Maria C. Robbins of Brooklyn, N. Y., as a memorial of her husband.

A s h b u r n h a m , . Gift of George F. Stevens.

A s h b y , . . Gift of Edwin Chapman of Boston.

A s h l a n d , . . Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

A t h o l , . . Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

A y e r , . . Gift of Frederick F. Ayer of New York.

B a r n s t a b l e , . Gift of Hon. William Sturgis of Boston.

B a r r e , . . Gift of Henry Woods of Boston.

B e c k e t , . Gift of Miss Blanche Perkins, as a memorial of her parents.

B e l c h e r t o w n , . . Bequest of John Francis Clapp.

B e l m o n t , . Gift of Henry O. Underwood.

B e r n a r d s t o n , . Gift of Hon. Henry W . Cushman.

B illerica, . . Gift of Mrs. Joshua Bennett.

B l a n d f o r d , . Gift of Mrs. Josephine E. S. Porter of Hartford, as a memorial of her son, Edgar Sheffield Porter.

B o l t o n , . Gift of Annie Eliza Whitney of Lancaster.

B o u r n e , . Gift of Miss Emily H. Bourne, as a memorial of her father, the Hon. Jonathan Bourne.

B o y l s t o n , . . Gift of Miss Salome E. White of Brooklyn, N. Y., as a memorial of her mother, Mrs. Harriet Sawyer White.

B r a i n t r e e , . . Gift of Gen. Sylvanus Thayer.

B r i m f i e l d , . Gift of James Danielson Lincoln, as a memorial of his mother and his wife.

B r o o k f i e l d , . Gift of William A. Banister of New York.

Ca m b r i d g e , . . Gift of Frederick II. Rindge of Los Angeles.

C a n t o n , . Gift of Augustus Ilemenway.

C a r l i s l e , . Gift of Mrs. Joanna Gleason of Sudbury.

C h a r l e m o n t , . Gift of E. R. Goodnow and other citizens.

C h a t h a m , . Gift of Hon. Marcellus Eldredge.

C h e l m s f o r d , . Gift of Amos F. Adams of Boston.

C h e l s e a , . Gift of Hon. Eustace C. Fitz.

C l i n t o n , . Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

C o h a s s e t , . . Memorial of Paul Pratt.

C o n c o r d , . Gift of William Munroe.

C o n w a y , . . Gift of Hon. Marshall Field of Chicago, as a memorial of his parents. 90 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

CUMMINGTON, Gift of William Cullen Bryant. D a l t o n , Gift of the Crane family. D a n v e r s , Gift of George Peabody. D a r t m o u t h , S o u t h , Gift of John H. Southworth of Springfield. D e d h a m , Bequests and gifts of citizens. D e e r f i e l d , . Bequest of Mrs. Esther Dickinson. D e n n i s , Bequest of Jacob Sears. D o u g l a s , Gift of James M. Fairfield of Boston, as a memorial of his father and mother, Simon and Phcebe Churchill Fairfield. D u x b u r y , . Gift of Mrs. George W . Wright, as a memorial of her son, George Buckham Wright. E a s t B r i d g e w a t e r , Gift of Cyrus Washburn of Wellesley. E a s t i i a m , Gift of Eastham Village Improvement Society. E a s t h a m p t o n , . Gift of Mrs. Emily G. Williston. E a s t o n , Gift of Hon. Oliver Ames and Mrs. Sarah L. Ames. E d g a r t o w n , Gift of Andrew Carnegie. E s s e x , . Bequest of T. O. n . P. Burnham of Boston. E v e r e t t , Gift of Albert M. Parlin, as a memorial of his son. E v e r e t t (Glendale), Bequest of William Shute. F a i r h a v e n , . Gift of Henry H. and Abbie P. Rogers, as a memorial of their daughter, Millicent. F i t c h b u r g , . Gift of Hon. Rodney Wallace. F r a n k l i n , . Gift of daughters of Hon. Joseph G. Ray, as a memorial of their father. F r e e t o w n , . Gift of Mrs. E. Florence Hathaway Crowell, as a memorial of her father, Hon. Guilford B. Hathaway. G a r d n e r , Gift of children of Levi Heywood. G e o r g e t o w n , Gift of George Peabody. G l o u c e s t e r , Gift of Samuel E. Sawyer. G r a n v i l l e , . Gift of Hon. M. B. Whitney and others. G r o t o n , Partly the gift of Mrs. Charlotte A. L. Sibley. H a d l e y , Gift of John Dwight and others. H a r v a r d , Mainly the gift of natives of the town. H a t f i e l d , . Bequest of Samuel H. Dickinson. H a v e r h i l l , . Gift of Hon. E. J. M. Hale and other citizens. H i n g h a m , Gift of Hon. Albert Fearing. H i n s d a l e , . Gift of citizens. H o l d e n , Gift of non. Samuel C. Gale of Minneapolis. H o l l i s t o n , . Gift of Andrew Carnegie. H o l y o k e , Gift of citizens.

H o p e d a l e , . Gift of Joseph B. Bancroft, as a memorial of his wife, Mrs. Sylvia Thwing Bancroft. H o p k i n t o n , . Gift of natives and residents of the town. H u b b a r d s t o n , Gift of Jonas G. Clark of Worcester. H u d s o n , Gift of Andrew Carnegie. Ip s w i c h , Gift of Capt. Augustine Heard. K i n g s t o n , . Bequest of Frederic C. Adams. L a n c a s t e r , . Mainly the gift of Nathaniel Thayer and his sons.

L a w r e n c e , . Gift of Mrs. N. G. White and Miss E. A. White.

L e i c e s t e r , . Gift of Lory S. Watson, Dr. Pliny Earle, David E. Merriam and others. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44 91

L e n o x , . . Gift of Mrs. Adeline E. Scbermerhorn.

L e x i n g t o n , . . Gift of Mrs. Maria Cary.

L i n c o l n , . Gift of George Grosvenor Tarbell.

L i t t l e t o n , . . Gift of children of William Stevens Houghton, as a memorial of their father.

L u d l o w , . Gift of heirs of Charles T. Hubbard.

L y n n , . . Gift of Mrs. Elizabeth M. Shute, as a memorial of her husband.

M a l d e n , . Gift of lion. Elisha S. Converse and his wife, as a memorial of th eir son.

M a n c h e s t e r . Gift of Thomas Jefferson Coolidge.

M a n s f i e l d ...... Gift of Mrs. Elizabeth F. Noble and others.

M a r b l e h e a d , Bequest of Benjamin Abbot of Boston.

M a r i o n ...... Gift of Mrs. Elizabeth Taber of New Bedford.

M a r l b o r o u g h , . Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

M a r s h f i e l d , Bequest of Seth J. Ventress.

M attapoisett , . Gift of George Purrington, Jr.

M e d f o r d , .... Gift of Thatcher Magoun.

M e l r o s e , .... Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

M e t h u e n , .... Gift of heirs of David Nevins.

M iddleborough , Bequest of Thomas S. Peirce.

M i d d l e t o n ,. Bequest of Hon. Charles L. Flint.

M o n s o n ...... Gift of Mrs. Carrie R. Dale, as a memorial of her father, Horatio L yon.

N a t i c k , .... Bequest of Miss Mary Ann Morse. South JVatick, Bequest of Oliver Bacon.

N e e d h a m , . Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

N e w b u r t p o r t , . Gift of citizens.

N e w t o n , . . . . Gift of J. Wiley Edmunds and other citizens.

N o r t h A d a m s , . Gift of Hon. Albert C. Houghton, as a memorial of his brother, Andrew Jackson Houghton.

N o r t h a m p t o n , . Bequest of John Clarke, supplemented by other gifts and by the city.

N o r t h a m p t o n , . Bequest of Hon. Charles Edward Forbes. Florence, Gift of Alfred T. Lilly. N o r t h A n d o v e r , Gift of Hon. Moses T. Stevens.

N o r t h A ttleborough , . Gift of children of Edmund I. and Lucy N. Richards, as a memo­ rial of their parents.

N orthborough ,. Gift of Cyrus Gale.

N o r t h B r o o k f i e l d , . Mainly the gift of Erasmus Haston.

N o r t h f i e l d , Gift of Elijah M. Dickinson of Fitchburg.

N o r t h R e a d i n g , Gift of Mrs. Charles F. Flint.

N o r t o n , . . . . Gift of Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton.

N o r w o o d , . Gift of George H. Morrill and wife, as a memorial of their daugh­ ter, Miss Sarah Bond Morrill.

O r l e a n s , . . . . Built partly by subscriptions.

O x f o r d , . Gift of Charles Larned of Boston.

P e a b o d y ...... Gift of George Peabody. P e m b r o k e (Bryantville) , . Gift of Mrs. liozilla Cobb. P e p p e r e l l , . Bequest of Charles F. Lawrence of New York.

P e t e r s h a m ,. Built mainly by subscriptions.

P i t t s f i e l d , . . . . Gift of Hon. Thomas Allen. 92 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. 1905

P l y m o u t h , . Gift of daughters of William G. Russell.

P r i n c e t o n , . Gift of Edward A. Goodnow, as a family memorial. PROVINCETOWN, . Gift of lion. Nathau Freeman.

Q u i n c y , Gift of heirs of Thomas Crane.

R a n d o l p h , . Gift of heirs of Col. Royal Turner.

R e h o b o t h , . Gifts of Darius Goff of Pawtucket, R. I.

R e v e r e , Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

R o c h e s t e r , . Partly the gift of Mrs. Elizabeth Leonard of New Bedford.

R o c k l a n d , . Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

R o c k p o r t , . Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

S a l e m , . Gift of heirs of Capt. John Bertram.

S c i t u a t e , N o r t h , Gift of Silas Peirce of Boston, as a memorial of his wife.

S h i r l e y , Built mainly by bequest of Mrs. Betsey D. Ilazen.

S h r e w s b u r y , Bequest of Jubal Howe.

S o u t h a m p t o n , Gift of Winslow H. Edwards, as a memorial of his father. SOUTHBRIDGE, Gift of Holmes Ammidown of New York.

S o u t h H a d l e y , . Gift of William H. Gaylord.

Sp e n c e r , Gift of Richard Sugden.

Sp r i n g f i e l d , Gift of the City Library Association.

S t e r l i n g , Gift of Edward Conant of Worcester, as a memorial of his daugh­ ter, Elizabeth Anne.

St o c k b r i d g e , Gift of Hon. John Z. Goodrich.

S t o n e h a m , . Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

S t o u g h t o n , . Gift of Lucius Clapp of Randolph.

St o w , . Gift of Miss Belinda Lull Randall, for estate of John Witt Ran­ dall.

S t URB RIDGE, Bequest of George B. Hyde of Boston, as a memorial of his father, Joshua Hyde.

S u d b u r y , Bequest of John Goodnow of Boston.

S u n d e r l a n d , Gift of John Long Graves.

S w a n s e a , Gift of Hon. F. S. Stevens.

T a u n t o n , Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

U x b r i d g e , . Gift of Hon. Edward C. Thayer of Keene, N. H.

W a l p o l e , . Gift of Andrew Carnegie.

W a r e , . Gift of Hon. William Hyde and others.

W a r r e n , Gift of Nathan Richardson and others. W rATERTOWN, Built by Hollis H. Hunnewell and others.

W a y l a n d , . Bequest of W arren Gould Roby.

W e l l e s l e y , Gift of Hollis H. Hunnewell.

W e s t B r o o k f i e l d , Gift of Charles Merriam of Springfield.

W e s t f o r d , . Gift of Hon. John Varuum Fletcher.

W e s t m i n s t e r , . Bequest of Charles A. Forbush.

W e s t w o o d , . Gift of Howard Colburn.

W e y m o u t h ,. Gift of Quincy Tufts and his sister, Miss Susan Tufts. South Weymouth, Bequest of John S. Fogg. W illiamsburg , . Bequest of Stephen Meekius. ffaydenville, . Gift of Miss Anna Hayden.

W o b u r n , Bequest of Charles Bowers Winn, as a memorial of his father.

W r e n t h a m , . Gift of heirs of non. Josiah J. Fiske.

Y a r m o u t h , . Gift of Nathan Matthews of Boston. A p p e n d i x III.

free P ublic Library Laws

OF

MASSACHUSETTS.

FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY LAWS OF MASSACHUSETTS.

[R evised Laws, 1902, Chapter 38.]

General P rovision. S ection 1. Library corporations and associations which have been legally established shall continue to have all the powers and privileges and be subject to all the duties and restrictions attaching thereto. L aw L ibraries. S ection 2. Attorneys at law who have been admitted to prac­ tise in the courts of the commonwealth and who are resident in a county for which there is no law library association may organize as a corporation, under the provisions of chapter one hundred and twenty-five, by the name of the Law Library Association for such county, and may adopt by-laws which shall be subject to the ap­ proval of the superior court. Section 3. The inhabitants of the county shall have access to the library and may use the books therein, subject to the provisions of the by-laws. Section 4. County treasurers shall annually pay to the law library associations in their respective counties all sums which are paid into the countvr treasuries during the year by the clerks of the courts, to an amount not exceeding two thousand dollars in any one year. They may also pay to said associations such further sums as the county commissioners may consider are necessary and proper. All sums which are so paid shall be applied to maintain and enlarge such libraries for the use of the courts and citizens. The treasurer of the law library association, before receiving any money from the county treasurer, shall give bond, with sureties to the satisfaction of the commissioners, for the faithful application of such money, and that he will make a return annually to them, under oath, of the manner in which it has been expended. S ection 5. Each law library association shall be entitled to receive from the sergeant-at-arms, immediately after their publica­ tion, one copy of the legislative documents of the senate and house, the journal of the senate and the journal of the house. 9(3 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan.

City and T own L ibraries. S ection 6. A city or town may establish and maintain public libraries for the use of its inhabitants, under regulations prescribed by the city council or by the town, and may receive, hold and man­ age any gift, bequest or devise for such library. The city council of a city or the selectmen of a town may place in such library the books, reports and laws which may be received from the common­ wealth. T rustees oe T own L ibraries. S ection 7. A town which raises or appropriates money for the support of a free public library, or free public library , and reading room, owned by the town, shall, at an annual meeting or special meeting, unless the same has been acquired entirely or in part through some gift or bequest which contains other conditions or provisions for the election of its trustees or for its care and man­ agement which have been accepted by the town, elect by ballot a board of trustees consisting of any number of persons, male or female, divisible by three, which the town determines to elect. When such board is first chosen, one-third thereof shall be elected for one year, one-third for two years and one-third for three years, and thereafter one-third shall be elected annually for the term of three years. The board shall, from its own number, annually choose a chairman and secretary and, if the town so votes, a treas­ urer, who shall give a bond similar to that given by the town treasurer, in an amount and with sureties to the satisfaction of the selectmen. The town treasurer shall act as treasurer of the board of trustees until the town otherwise directs. Section 8. The board shall have the custody and management of the library and reading room and of all property owned by the town relating thereto. All money raised or appropriated by the town for its support and maintenance shall be expended by the board, and all money or property which the town may receive by gift or bequest for said library and reading room shall be admin­ istered by the board in accordance with the provisions of such gift or bequest. Section 9. The board shall make an annual report to the town of its receipts and expenditures and of the property in its custody, with a statement of any unexpended balance of money and of any gifts or bequests which it holds in behalf of the town, with its recommendations. 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT — No. 44. 97

S ection 10. The provisions of the three preceding sections shall not apply to library associations, nor to a library organized under a special act.

B oard op F ree P ublic L ibrary Commissioners. Section 11. There shall be a board of free public library com­ missioners consisting of five persons, residents of the common­ wealth, one of whom shall annually be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the council, for a term of five years. The governor shall designate the chairman thereof. Section 12. No member shall receive any compensation, but the board may annually expend not more than five hundred dollars, payable by the commonwealth, for clerical assistance and for other necessary expenses. It shall annually in January make a report to the general court. Section 13. The board shall advise the librarian or trustees of any free 'public library relative to the selection or cataloguing of books and any other matter pertaining to the maintenance or ad­ ministration of the library. Section 14. Said board may, upon the application of the li­ brary trustees of a town which has complied with the provisions of sections sixteen and seventeen, and which has no free public library owned and controlled by the town, expend not more than one hun­ dred dollars for books to be selected and purchased by said board and delivered to said trustees for the purpose of establishing a free public library. Section 15. If a town, the valuation of which is not more than six hundred thousand dollars and which has a free public library, has complied with all laws relative to the maintenance of such library, and the trustees of the library provide, to the satisfaction of the board, for the distribution of books in different parts of the town where such distribution is necessary, by means of branch libraries or deliveries, and for practical and effective means of rendering the library useful to the teachers and scholars of the public schools in such town, the board may expend, in such amounts and at such times as they determine, not more than one hundred dollars for the purchase of books for each free public library owned and controlled by such town. S ection 16. A town shall not be entitled to the benefits of the three preceding sections until it accepts the same or has accepted the corresponding provisions of earlier laws and has elected a 98 FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [Jan. board of library trustees as provided in section seven, nor until said trustees have made provision satisfactory to said commission­ ers for the care and distribution of the books furnished by them. S ection 17. Such town shall, if its last assessed valuation was one million dollars or over, annually appropriate from the dog tax, or otherwise provide for the use and maintenance of its free public library, not less than fifty dollars; if such valuation was less than one million dollars and not less than two hundred and fifty thou­ sand, not less than twenty-five dollars; and if such valuation was less than two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, not less than fifteen dollars.

A ppropriation op M onet for L ibraries, etc. Section 15, chapter 25 of the Revised Laws, provides that towns may appropriate money “ for the establishment, maintenance or increase of a public library therein, and for the erection or pro­ vision of suitable buildings or rooms therefor.” “ For maintaining a library therein to which the inhabitants have free access and of which they have the use, and for establish­ ing and maintaining a public reading room in connection with and under the control of the managers of such library.”

T h e D og T ax. Section 163, chapter 102 of the Revised Laws, provides that money received for dog licenses and refunded to the towns “ shall be expended for the support of public libraries or schools.”

D efacing or W il fu l D eten tio n of B ooks, P apers, etc. Sections 83 and 84, chapter 208 of the Revised Laws, provide that “ whoever wilfully, intentionally and without right, or wan­ tonly and without cause, writes upon, injures, defaces, tears or de­ stroys a book, plate, picture, engraving, map, newspaper, magazine, pamphlet, manuscript or statue which belongs to a law, city, town or other public or incorporated library shall be punished by a fine of not less than five nor more than fifty dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months.” “ Whoever wilfully, intentionally and without right, or wan­ tonly and without cause, detains a book, newspaper, magazine, pamphlet, or manuscript which belongs to a law, city, town or other public or incorporated library for thirty days after notice in writ­ ing from the librarian thereof, containing a copy of this section and given after the expiration of the time which, by the regula- 1905.] PUBLIC DOCUMENT— No. 44. 99 tions of such library, such book; newspaper, magazine, pamphlet or manuscript may be kept, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one nor more than twenty-five dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months.”

D isturbing P ublic L ibraries. Section 33, chapter 212 of the Revised Laws, provides that “ who­ ever wilfully disturbs persons assembled in a public library, or a reading room connected therewith, by making a noise or in any other manner during the time when such library or reading room is open to the public shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than thirty days or by a fine of not more than fifty dollars.”

L and may be tak en for L ibrary B u ild in g s. Section 4:7 of chapter 25 of the Revised Laws provides that “ any land within the limits of a city or town not appropriated to public uses ” may be taken “ for the purpose of erecting thereon a build­ ing to be used for a public school, a library, or an engine house, or for the enlargement of a lot of land taken or used for such pur­ pose,” — but the land thus taken may not exceed two acres in extent. P ublic D ocum ents. Under provisions of chapter 9 of the Revised Laws, each town and city library is entitled to receive a copy of the Manual of the General Court, the Blue Book, and a copy of the series of public documents.